If I had more time, maybe then I could be patient. Do you ever feel like you don’t have enough time and therefore don’t have time to be patient. I don’t have time to be patient. You might not have time but we need to be patient and have patience.

As we work through The Fruitful Year and the Fruit of the Spirit, this month we are looking at patience. The word patience in the Bible comes from two Greek words. One is the aspect of endurance under trials. That is the attitude of our hearts. The other word is long-suffering and that is in respect to people.

Endurance under trails is how we are in those times of waiting. What is the attitude in your heart during those trails? Trials come in varying sizes. The length of time in the trial varies.

What trials are your enduring at this time? How is your patience during this time of trial? What is the attitude of your heart?

Long-suffering is how we relate to people. Are you patient with people or rushing and pushing people when they need you to be patient with them?

God’s patience with us is long-suffering. He patiently waits for us to come to him. God’s patience with us should be the example of how we should be relating to those around us. Our patience should be a reflection of God’s patience.

As you think about patience, take some time to look at your own heart.

Would you say you are a patient person? What would those around you say?

How does God display patience with you?

When are the times that you struggle with patience? Look at your own heart.

As I thought about that question, one of the times that I struggle to have patience and respond with a patient attitude is when it is a repeated offence. Telling a child again to put away something. The other time is when things are stressful. It could be trying to get a long list of things done or it might be a tight schedule. For me, it is helpful knowing the times that I struggle so that I can be prepared. For the repeat offence, can I patiently remind myself how often God patiently reminds me what I need to do?

Repeated offences and stressful times are not excuses for a lack of patience rather they should be times of more patience. Knowing the times that you struggle can help you to realise your need to depend on God.

What is the attitude of your heart? Are you surrendering your time to God or have you planned everything how you want it?

Take the time in the next few days to ponder patience. Do you see God’s patience in your own life? How can you grow in patience? Do you have specific times when you need to display more patience. Can you pray to ask God to help you have the patience?

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, being with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV)