You can plan, schedule, and control—but real life doesn’t always go as smoothly as you’d like, does it? Someone’s upset with you, the car breaks down, you’re in a meeting and the school calls because your child is sick, you get the news your mother has fallen and hurt herself—it’s an endless list.
Galatians 5:22-23 says, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” As a believer in Christ, you have longsuffering, or patience, as a fruit of the Spirit. Let this verse be a great comfort and reminder when you’re dealing with personal relationships, trying to keep a household together, and managing your workday, along with all the other responsibilities you have. Colossians 3:12 says to “clothe yourselves with… patience.” It’s spiritual fashion at its best!
Jesus, I want to wear my faith well. Grant me patience as I parent my children, encourage my spouse, do my work, and offer a listening ear and open heart to others. Amen.