Written by: Sister Joann Greene
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
PATIENCE IN PRACTICE
Psalm 86:15 describes God’s relationship with His people this way: “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” So, while sitting in my room thinking about the slice of the spiritual fruit of patience, I was reminded of a story about a young lady – someone very near and dear to my heart. She was involved in a romantic relationship that any young girl would have enjoyed being part of. Her young fiancé was a military man and always looked so handsome when dressed in uniform. She knew he was the right man for her even though they were not evenly yoked. Her parents had given them their approval to get married, and they were married six months later.
Four years into the marriage, their first child was born. Responsibilities increased, things started to change, and life became more challenging. Her husband got out of the military, started a new job, and began college all at the same time. She was also employed; and as a result, the young couple was not able to spend a lot of time together. The couple began to have disagreements on a regular basis, which really disturbed her, so she opened her bible to 1 Corinthians 13:4 which says, “Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; it is not arrogant.”
She also remembered God’s Word to his people in Philippians 4:6, “Be careful of nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.”
Eventually after four years passed, her husband finished college and that’s when the real trouble in their marriage began. She discovered her husband was having an affair! She did the only thing she knew how to do. She fell on her knees and called on the name of Jesus! The Holy Spirit led her to Exodus 14:14, “The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace”. God’s Word from Romans 8:25, also spoke to her, “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with patience.”
Galatians 6:9, too, said, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap if we faint not.”
I’m happy to report that the young couple survived the affair in which her husband was involved. He asked his wife for forgiveness and never, again, pursued another woman. His wife shared the following scriptures with me.
*Psalm 40:1, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me and heard my cry”.
*Proverbs 14:29, “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalted folly.”
This story illustrates what patience or longsuffering might look like and how one might respond in a marital relationship. So, when it comes to marriage, our goal should be to respond to our spouse with prayer, patience, mercy, endurance, and hope.
As we put patience into practice, remember that it’s one slice of the Spiritual fruit. Patience is a God-powered behavior. We can’t do it on our own. But with the Holy Spirit’s help, we can change the way we respond to our spouse and exchange our hurt, anger, or pain for longsuffering love.
We give honor to our Heavenly Father, always thanking Him for treating us with patience, mercy, and love. The least we can do is to show the same patience in our relationships with others.
Written by Sister Joann Greene
Grandmothers of Hope Society Ministry