Fruits Of The Spirit – Revealed At Christmasنموونە

PATIENCE 

Patience can be seen in the visit of the Magi. Seeing the star and following the star from the east would take a lot of patience. When they arrived at Herod’s palace and realised that the Saviour was not there, they patiently continued to follow the star until they found baby Jesus. They patiently listened to the angel’s warning and took another route back. 

Patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. How very true. Delays, trouble, and suffering do cause us to reject or refuse to continue what we seek. If the Magi did not have patience they would not have seen Jesus. 

This is an important virtue we need to exhibit to be able to be found at the second coming of Jesus. Without patience, it is difficult to pursue our journey of life. Imagine the frustrations of Mary. She was a happy virgin Jewish girl betrothed to a young man of good standing when she was visited by an angel and given the news that she is pregnant with the savior of this world. Joy on one side, fear on the other of what is going to happen to her. It was the patience and trust which go hand in hand which helped her face her challenges. 

This is the same quality seen in Joseph. He was patient and cared for Mary in spite of knowing that Mary did not carry his child. They had to do their parts in the journey so that the Saviour could be born in this world. In the same way, we need to be patient in life every day. Even with life's surprises, we need patience to carry on the journey of life so we can hear our master say, "Well done good and faithful servant". 

Thought for today: 

With whom does God want me to be patient today?