forbearance

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Galatians 5:22-23

The Bible describes God’s qualities which makes me thankful when I read them and meditate upon them. The book of Galatians, written by the Apostle Paul, describes the “fruit of the Spirit” as qualities possessed by God. As you read these nine qualities, they serve as attributes we should seek to achieve and actively demonstrate towards others.

As we read this passage in Galatians, we should seek to possess and actively demonstrate each named quality. “Love, joy, kindness, and goodness” are qualities that are easily observable with humanity and are typically ones utilized through acts of gratitude in a manner to convey a spirit of thankfulness to others. These qualities extend to others often come at a time when someone is disheartened, psychologically drained, and physically fatigued. These acts of kindness may make a difference in the well-being of the recipient. I am confident the recipient of gratitude will extend similar acts of kindness to others (“paying it forward”).

I have mentioned four of the nine “fruit of the Spirit,” but the remaining ones are just as important! “Peace, forbearance, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control,” I believe to be more internal qualities in nature but may also be observably demonstrated toward others. I believe these qualities may be more difficult for humanity to grasp and actively demonstrate. Perhaps these five qualities take more practice, which becomes easier the stronger our relationship becomes with God and His Son Jesus Christ. The stronger our relationship becomes, we will be filled with the “fruit of the Spirit,” which should make it easier for us to extend these positive qualities toward others.

I am thankful for each of the “fruit of the Spirit” qualities that God has extended toward his creations! God has repeatedly demonstrated His love and kindness in many ways! I am so very thankful for His peaceful, gentle, and faithful nature, which He has continually demonstrated toward humanity. I am especially thankful for the forbearance (patience) and self-control demonstrated toward humanity because we have flaws. Self-reflection consideration: which “fruit of the Spirit” do I see in myself and actively demonstrate, and which ones do I need to work on?

Many blessings to you!

^{Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.}

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