Aug 25 Devotions: Patience: Our Gift of Service

12).  Put on therefore, as the elect of GOD, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering;  13).  Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as CHRIST forgave you, so also do ye.

                               COLOSSIANS 3:12-13 (KJV)

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul encourages Christians to “put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” In other words, we don’t come pre-equipped with these traits. Rather, we develop them as we learn to imitate Jesus Christ—“bearing with ... and forgiving each another.”

The Holy Spirit faithfully guides us in growing spiritual fruit. Our Father then provides opportunities to use and further hone these attributes.

For now, let’s zero in on patience—something we tend to classify rather narrowly as “waiting.” That’s certainly part of the definition, but so is the idea of perseverance. When we’re bearing with one another as Paul challenged us to do, we are not simply waiting for them to become better versions of themselves. We are enduring their hardship alongside them or persisting in our attempts to offer aid. We’re caring, listening, and serving however we can. In a world that insists on doing everything quickly, patience is an amazing gift to give another person.

God put patience on the list of spiritual fruit (SEE GALATIANS 5:22-23), indicating that this trait is possible for every believer. Whatever gifts you possess, patience is an attribute you can put on. 

Practice it for the glory of God and as a way to serve others.

-IBC