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Author: Laura Coyle, from the Charis Community in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The Fruits of the Spirit - Day 4

Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received... Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)

Pineapples… They take a long time to peel and slice before you can eat them, but man, are they good!

I’m sure we are all well acquainted with suffering, either personally or in those around us. The Lord did not promise us a life of freedom from suffering, yet assured us it would be part and parcel of the life of the cross that we pick up when we choose to follow Christ. Patience is a gift given and a skill sharpened. We must practise patience. 

When we ask for more patience the Lord gives us opportunities to grow more patient with ourselves, more patient with others, and even more patient in our relationship with Him. This fruit is intended to blossom allowing us to persevere to the very end. 

Just reflect on the life of Jesus and the days before His crucifixion. He was the perfect example of patience and peace. Jesus had peace that comes only from heaven, peace that overflows from His side as He embraces the cross. Practise patience today and rest in the peace of the Lord.

Scripture quotations from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.