But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, PATIENCE, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22 & 23
This is the fourth of a nine part series I call "Spiritual Fruit of the Month Club". Have you ever seen or received a gift where you are entered into a club and once a month you are sent a box of fruit - a different kind of fruit each month? Well, that is what we will be doing here - on the first Sunday of each month for nine months I will be sending you a digital box of Spiritual Fruit. We will study and try to use that fruit in our daily lives for that month.
I looked up "patience" in the thesaurus: long suffering, tolerance, mercy, leniency, forbearance, forgiving, accommodating, persistence, enduring and lack of complaint.
"And we urge you brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 2 Thessalonians 5:14
"Everyone" is the key word in this verse - we are to be patient with everyone. This means that race, religion, size, mental condition and social standing does NOT matter. Nobody is excluded - we must be patient with all....with every person!
"......I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season, correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:2
Two points strike me in this verse:
1. "In season and out of season" - that means always & forever! There is never an occasion or a situation when we shouldn't be patient. Patience all the time.
2. "rebuke & encourage with great patience" - Whether we are using constructive criticism or positive encouragement - great patience must be used in both. The positive and negative sides of life require patience.
"But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:16
This verse give me chills - the word "unlimited". Jesus' has enough patience for everyone and for eternity.....it is never ending......goes on for eternity......unlimited. We must follow Christ's example and His glory will shine through us.
We must be patient always and with everyone! What will you do with your wheel barrow of patience this month?
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