Today with Jesus

Patience - A Fruit of Holy Spirit

by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada

Today's Bible Verse

"I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he returned to me and heard my cry."
(Psalm 40:1)

Discussion

Is there any cure for impatience?

All human beings are becoming impatient even over silly issues. The best medicine for impatience is to be patient. It's essential for inner peace. Don't sweat it because it's not worth it. The world does not run on our heads, it has its own course and nobody can do anything to stop, run, pause, or correct it. Then, why do we become impatient when things don't go the way we want to? Impatience calls for dysfunction of body, soul, and spirit. Without patience, a silly scenario can become a major emergency complete with yelling, frustration, unhappiness and high blood pressure.

When we deal with children, a boss or a difficult person or situation, it's better to improve our patience level from the starting point itself. Start by being patient for the first 5 minutes. Patience is one of those special qualities where success feeds on itself. Once you reach little milestones - 5 minutes of successful patience, you will have the capacity to be more patient. It's one of the nine fruits of the Holy spirit. If you aren't patient, then you aren't in the spirit of God.

Richard Carlson writes, "One day when both girls are firing questions at me as I'm trying to make important phone calls, I will say to myself, "Now is a great time to be patient. For the next half hour, I'm going to be as patient as possible (see, I've worked hard, I'm up to 30 minutes)!" All kidding aside, it really works - it's worked in our family. As I cool and don't allow myself to be annoyed and upset, I can calmly, yet firmly, direct my children's behavior far more effectively than when I get crazy. What is more, my patient feelings are often contagious - they rub off on the kids, who then decide, on their own, that it's no fun to bother Dad."

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruits in our lives: love, joy, peace, PATIENCE, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control." (Galatians 5:22,23)

Prayer

Jesus, we see your face of patience - serene and peaceful in the most provocative situations. Let that be illuminated in all our lives. Let us beg pardon from those whom we have hurt by our impatience. Let the spirit of patience abide within us. Let our homes , churches, schools and work places be a place of peace. All we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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