Sunday Reflection: Learning Godly Restraint (Patience)

Sunday Reflection: Learning Godly Restraint (Patience)

NB: Set some time to read the Scripture references throughout this devotion to get the most out of it.

WE ALL WISH TO SHOW THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (Gal. 5:22-23), BUT IT IS OFTEN EASIER SAID THAN DONE. Let’s take a look at one feature of this fruit that many of us struggle with: patience.

Makrothumia is the Greek word for “patience.” It is a loaded term that can also be translated as “forbearance” or “longsuffering.” The phrase “embraces constancy and staying-power,” according to theologian F. F. Bruce.

If the term ‘long-tempered’ existed in English as a counterpart to ‘short-tempered,’ then makrothumia could be defined as the attribute of being ‘long-tempered’… which is a God-given quality.”

Consider how many times God should have given up on you. But He has never done so and will never do so. We will never be able to achieve such a standard in this life, but with God’s aid, we can make progress. All we have to do is ask (John 14:13-15). We may meet difficulties along the way, but our heavenly Father will see to it that everything—including us—is done correctly in due time (Phil. 1:6).

For Further Reading:

Developing Patience

Uganda: Father murders son for refusing to forsake his faith in Jesus

How Do We Show Love to Toxic People?