Daily Reading: Patience
Today my interaction with others will be characterized by patient love.
Patience is an expression of love and love is not only an attribute of God, but God is love. And because I have chosen to put my faith in Jesus and follow Him, the fruit of His Spirit, patience is growing in me. As a result I am fulfilling the intended purpose of my life: loving God and loving others.
I cannot obtain patience by shear discipline or will; the Holy Spirit is spontaneously and continuously working in me to produce all of the character traits found in Jesus‘ nature. Patience is the natural by–product of joining my life with His. As I grow to know Him more, love Him more, remember Him more and to imitate Him in all aspects of my life; His Spirit is increasing my endurance so even when others irritate me I will respond to them with patience.
Today my interaction with others will be characterized by patient love. My words will always be filled with compassion. I will encourage those who are growing. I will challenge those I must reprimand; and when I am allowed the honor of giving guidance, I will do so prayerfully and carefully with patient love.
With patience I am able to see beyond others‘ faults and failures. I am able to tolerate inconveniences and annoyances without grumbling. When provoked I will not lose my temper. I will persevere even when under great pressure and while enduring injustice. My trust in Jesus will not waver and I refuse to seek revenge when I am wronged. Today my interaction with others will be characterized by patient love.
Patience is not idle, it requires action. I will take action by reflecting on God’s patient love with me and ask Him to help me be equally patient with others. I will act in patient love by serving and caring for others. Patience is love in action. It is a willingness to forgive and empathize with others. It is the strength to stand with others in times of need. It is the call to express love by sharing the burden of those around me and by sharing the good news of Jesus with them. Regardless of the time and energy required to invest in others with patient love, I recognize its value and worth; for it is the bond of all relationships.
I am allowing God’s Spirit to supernaturally work in me to produce patient love. As a result I will not only be more tolerant of others but I will have a greater inner peace. Today my interaction with others will be characterized by patient love.