The fourth trait of the Holy Spirit's fruit is patience.
Many times when I think of patience, I think of waiting. But there is much more to what the Holy Spirit gives to us in this trait.
The definition of this word include endurance, constancy, steadfastness, forbearance, long-suffering and slowness in avenging wrongs. Patience is not just about waiting. It is characterized by an ability to suffer reproof, to suffer affliction or to bear injuries without answering in kind.
This is tough for us to do on our own. We always want our rights protected. When someone wrongs us, we want to set it right and perhaps even to take revenge. But Jesus set the perfect example for us as recorded in 1 Peter 2:23, "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." While He was accused and abused, the Lord did not retaliate but entrusted Himself to God.
In my many years of working, I have had my fair share of being falsely accused, blamed for things that I did not do and still being asked to take responsibility. There would always be a strong feeling of being wronged, of injustice and the natural reaction is to defend myself.
Up till 3 year ago, I would fight for "my rights" when I am wrong. Sometimes, I would even go to the extreme to dig and find the faults of my accusers so as to get back at them. I remember some of those times and it was not very Christ-like. I did not "turn the other cheek" as the Lord had taught (Matthew 5:38-40).
Recently, I encountered a similar situation and was told to take responsibility for something that I did not do. My accuser was simply being unreasonable at that point. But I was amazed that my reaction was totally different this time. I did not retort, neither was I angry. I simply remained calm and let the accusation pass.
At first I thought that I was simply tired of fighting back until I began to read Gal 5. I then realized that my changed reaction was a manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit - hallelujah! And that is why I am sharing this in my blog.
God can and will change us if we avail ourselves to Him. As soon as we are filled by the Holy Spirit, He will work in us to manifest His fruit. We cannot manufacture the fruit ourselves; it is given by God.
So, let the Holy Spirit have His way in our lives so that we can be useful for Him.
The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience ... and still counting.
God bless.
No comments:
Post a Comment