But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!  Galatians 5:22-23  NLT

In other Bible versions, instead of the word, patience, it uses “longsuffering.” This is a much more descriptive word of what we tend to think patience is…waiting and suffering for a long time! But it is this “suffering” through our troubles that produces our patience.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2-4 We are all a “work in progress”, especially when it comes to patience. If there is one thing we rarely feel we have enough of, it’s patience. James is reminding us that as we have trials and difficulties in our lives, we are to be joyful, as these tests will produce patience and make us complete.

The best definition, Christian definition, that I’ve seen for patience is “trusting God to keep His promises in His perfect timing”. I’ve written a couple of children’s books and a book on Bible based discipline for parents and teachers. None yet published. But I have to continue to trust that this is what God wants me to do and therefore trust Him for completion and timing. But for now, the gift from God is the fruit of patience. I will remain patient as I strive to remain in His will. I am writing! I love writing this blog and the kids blog. I am learning so much as I study for each week’s blogs. And I am closer to God than I have ever been, so with joy, I am patient as I continue to be a work in progress.

Sometimes we are impatient with God, sometimes with other people, sometimes with situations, and sometimes we are the most impatient with ourselves. Since patience is indeed a fruit of the Spirit, then we need to demonstrate our patience in our daily interactions with others. It is easy to get frustrated and then our patience seems to just evaporate. If we think someone isn’t doing what we think they should, our patience is nowhere to be found. But if we are to shine God’s light through our lives, then patience is a fruit that we may have to work at the hardest!

“Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones. Proverbs 25:15 Patience is a powerful tool for our lives. And a huge witness to all those we interact with.

This week let’s look at our trials and troubles from God’s perspective. Let’s be patient with His timing and joyfully let our patience develop into a ripe fruit of the Spirit. And then let’s shine God’s light as we treat each person and situation with patience and “soft speech”.

I thank God for each of you. And I thank you for joining me this week as we work on our fruit of the Spirit – patience – together.

Blessings and joy as we patiently wait for God’s perfect timing!