“The Holy Spirit fills us with the fruit of forbearance so He can expand our capacity for patient love.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 8, 2024
The fruit of the Spirit is forbearance. Galatians 5:22
The Spirit’s fruit of forbearance is much more than patience. It is choosing not to retaliate when wronged. It’s extending terms to benefit another, instead of demanding a justifiable immediate payment. Forbearance is the long suffering the Lord has towards sinners who need Him. He knows that time away from Him eventually loses its luster and appeal.
By faith we are able to model God’s great patience towards those who anger us, who deeply disappoint us. The Holy Spirit fills us with the fruit of forbearance so He can lengthen the fuse of our temper. The longer it takes for our temper to smolder under self-control, the more time we have to cool down. The Spirit’s forbearance releases our vengeance to the Lord.
“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4).
Do you thank the Lord for His kindness, forbearance and patience toward your ignorant indiscretions and your intentionally unwise acts? Are you taking for granted God’s great grace? Eventually His patience does run out on those who run away from Him. There comes a time when secret sins come to roost on God’s righteous roof. So, come clean and learn how to walk wisely in this season of forbearance from your heavenly Father.
Lastly, do not buckle in unbelief under the pressures that threaten to crush your spirit. Christ has given you a deep reservoir of forbearance to bear these burdens. There is not a drought of God’s grace during hot summers of suffering. Critics will come and go. And hard circumstances are meant to soften your heart to grow a harvest for Christ. The fruit of forbearance in your life waters seeds in other searching souls. Thus, be a faithful forbearer of faith!
“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16).
Prayer
Lord, teach me the fruit of forbearance, enabling me to patiently endure trials and conflicts. Help me to extend grace and forgiveness as you have shown me. Strengthen me to bear with others in love, reflecting your mercy and compassion in every situation. Amen.
Application
Who needs me to forgive and not retaliate with passive aggressive behavior?
Related Reading
Psalm 86:15; Proverbs 19:11; Colossians 3:12-13; Hebrews 6:12
Worship Resource
Shane & Shane: Come Thou Fount
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