Choosing Patience
God has called us to live differently — to live set apart.
In Galatians 5, we are given a picture of what a life led by the Holy Spirit looks like. These are
not personality traits. They are not things we manufacture on our own. They are evidence of the
Holy Spirit living and working inside of us.
But walking in the Spirit is not passive. It is something we choose daily as we surrender our
flesh, our emotions, and our circumstances to Christ.
Each week, we will focus on one Fruit of the Spirit and what it looks like to live it out in our
everyday lives — in our marriages, in our families, and in the world around us.
This week, we are focusing on Patience.
Galatians 5:22–23
To be honest, this is the fruit I personally struggle with the most.
I deeply desire to walk in patience, yet I often find myself feeling rushed, annoyed, and frustrated
— sometimes by the smallest things.
As I was studying the word patience this week, I learned the Greek word is makrothymia. It
carries the meaning of being slow to anger or slow in avenging wrongs.
Welp… if I am being honest, this is an area where I still need God to do a lot of work in me.
When I feel wronged, I often want immediate resolution.
I want quick restitution.
I want things fixed right away.
My husband frequently says that in order for God to grow patience in us, He will often place
people in our lives who annoy the fire out of us — simply to help develop this fruit within us.
And honestly… that could not be more true.
Knowing this and actually putting patience into practice are two very different things. In the
moment, I can get caught up in what I am feeling instead of pausing long enough to ask:
“God, is this frustration an opportunity for You to work something in me or something out of
me?”
We have talked before about the difference between feelings and choices.When we choose joy, we are often blessed with the feeling of joy.
When we choose love, we are often blessed with the feeling of love.
Patience is no different.
When we choose to be patient…
When we choose to let go…
When we choose to pause instead of react…
God often blesses us with a calmness in the moment.
Our perspective becomes clearer.
Our words become gentler.
Our responses become slower and more thoughtful.
Instead of being rushed and reactive, we begin to live fro
m a place of surrender and trust.
Sometimes patience simply looks like taking a deep breath and releasing control — trusting that
God is working even when we cannot see it.
Reflection Questions
• Where am I feeling rushed or frustrated right now?
• Is God inviting me to pause instead of react in a particular situation?
• What would it look like for me to choose patience today?
Marriage Connection
How might choosing patience change the way you respond to your spouse?
Patience creates space for understanding.
Patience allows grace to grow.
Patience helps us respond with love instead of reacting out of emotion.
Choosing patience can transform the tone and direction of a conversation — and even the
atmosphere of a home.
Walking in the Fruit of the Spirit is not about perfection.
It is about daily surrender.
It is about daily choosing to look more like Jesus.Today, ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize opportunities to walk in patience — in your thoughts, your words, and your actions.
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