We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Note from Romans 5:3-5 and Galatians 5:22 that the fruits of the spirit, these godly characteristics, are developed in our lives when we are put in situations that we are tempted to respond in exactly the opposite way; so when unexpected interruptions get in your way take a deep breath and remember Proverbs 20:24 that God is working to provide some great fruit in your life! So, deepen your love. “Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love” (Eph. 4:2 (TLB).

And one more thought: when you learn to love the people who irritate you, you take a weapon out of Satan’s hands that he can use against you. Today pray, Lord, make me a more patient person.

You will notice that in listing the fruit of the Spirit, patience comes right after peace. Why? Because when you have peace in our heart, practically nothing can cause you to feel impatient. But these qualities are the fruit of the spirit, not the effort of the flesh. You can’t psych yourself up and say, I’m going to be patient if it kills me. If its is the genuine fruit of the spirit, you will have genuine inner peace and certain circumstances won’t bother you the way they used to. Why? Because you are depending on the Lord. Patience is a kind of faith. It says, “I trust God. I believe He is bigger than this problem. I believe He has His hand in these irritations and can use them in my life for good. Frustration says, why did this happen? Faith says, God, what do you want me to learn here? Abraham was 100 years old when his second son, Isaac was born. That’s a long time to be patient. The toughest kind of waiting occurs when you are in a rush and God is not. It’s had to be patient when you are waiting for an answer to prayer: for God to change your financial condition or your health problem or your family problem or that relative who bothers you. Being patient is both the evidence of your faith and the test of your faith. It’s at such times that God whispers “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). In other words, I’m in control, I have a better plan, I’m working things out of your good. **Taken from UCB Radio

Selah

Pastor Afolabi Oladele