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Fruit of the Spirit, Patience - Weekly Devotional
This week's focus: Patience
In some translations of the Bible, the list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 uses the word forbearance for patience, which has a bit of a deeper meaning. Forbearance also includes self-control, restraint, and tolerance, implying that we have a choice about how we respond to God and others in our times of waiting. We can receive patience as a gift that helps us develop restraint or we can become resentful and anxious.
The Spirit’s fruit of forbearance is much more than patience. It is choosing not to retaliate when wronged. It’s extending terms to benefit another, instead of demanding a justifiable immediate payment. Forbearance is the long-suffering the Lord has towards sinners. By faith, we are able to model God’s great patience towards those who anger us, who deeply disappoint us.
Do not buckle in unbelief under the pressures that threaten to crush your spirit. Christ has given you a deep reservoir of forbearance to bear these burdens. There is not a drought of God’s grace during hot summers of suffering. Critics will come and go. And hard circumstances are meant to soften your heart to grow a harvest for Christ and to grow closer to Him. The fruit of forbearance in your life waters seeds in other searching souls.
1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV)
"But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life."
Prayer Points:
- God Almighty, Have mercy on me, a sinner (Luke 18:13). I know that my actions of impatience reveal sin and disbelief in my soul that I have not dealt with. Help me to trust in Your sovereign plan to be faithful in affliction, endure suffering, and rejoice even amongst the pain (Romans 12:12). I want to be faithful, despite my circumstances, to seek You and treasure You in all that I do and say. Forgive me for being impatient with others. I know I am called to emulate You with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and maintaining a spirit of unity (Colossians 2:12-13; Ephesians 4:1-3).
- There is a legislative effort to “pack“ the Supreme Court by adding four new justices as well as add power in Congress by making the District of Colombia the 51st state. Both of these moves would fundamentally change our nation. You can learn more about “court-packing” and how you can be praying at “Supreme Court Coup,” an informational website created by our friends at First Liberty Institute.
We want to see God honored in America, and we pray for an unprecedented spiritual awakening.
This devotion was produced in partnership with Every Home for Christ.
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