But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

I remember growing up with my Sunday School teacher quizzing us on these qualities of God. Teaching us simple lessons and providing examples on how we can use these characteristics in our own lives. She would say for example, “When your brother or sister upsets you, walk away and tell an adult,” and “Pray for the person that upsets you.” Whether or not you grew up going to  Sunday school classes, all of us can relate to learning about patience, praying for patience, but living out the virtue of patience is challenging.

One area of challenge is my temperament. I’m a busy wife, mom and employee, and at the end of the day sometimes the last thing I possess is the character trait of patience. I respond brashly to a request for help, or maybe I snap quicker when my daughter disobeys me. How do we get our strength like Jesus to remain patient when our human nature pulls us so off track?

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

Proverbs 15:18

I want this to be me so badly! I desire this in all aspects of my life. And I know that even in this struggle, encouragement can be found in knowing that God sent us his Holy Spirit to guide us and give us His strength. We all have resurrection power in our life as Christians. The more we spend time in the Bible, the more we  grow in the love of Jesus, becoming more like him. We need to lean into the character and qualities of who Jesus Christ is because on our own, we are weak. We can try to strive and will our way to be more patient, but the process is frivolous.

John 15:5 tells us, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Trust His Word in the Bible. Spend time reading and asking God to reveal His character to you. Pray and petition Him to help you become more patient. He is a Faithful God. Let’s start by recognizing that we can not bear the fruit of the Spirit -- including patience -- by my own strength. It’s only through Him.  

Bunko Ladies Night out

Friday, May 17

Want something fun and relaxing to do on a Friday night? Looking to make some new connections with other women at Willowdale?

Click here for details and to register.