Patience. It also is a virtue of the Fruit of the Spirit, but if I am honest, it still is one that I must allow God to grow in me more and more. (see Gal 5:22-23) Yet when we are patient, we can love others the way we should, even if they do not choose to do the same in return. Reminder, we are talking about relationships that might have problems, not those that are toxic. So when we have problems, if we choose to keep on loving, there is no telling what God will grow out of all the seeds we plant into the lives of others.
When our spouse does not seem to respond to the changes we have chosen to make to strengthen our marriage, when we are patient, we simply keep doing the right thing. I think about how many years I prayed for my husband to come to Christ, and then when I thought nothing was happening, “all of a sudden,” there Joe was, praying for Jesus to come into his heart! It was so beautiful to behold…and I think it was strangely even more beautiful because, by God’s Grace, I patiently waited for Joe to decide for himself to surrender to our Lord.
Patiently speaking the love language of our spouse, our friends, our children and so on, especially when “nothing seems to be changing,” is a big part of this Christian life. Just like an acorn is not planted in the ground then immediately grows into a towering oak tree, so too many times love must be patiently watered and nurtured before we see the fruits of our humble and selfless work. Of course, it is God who does all the growing, so we should be honored to be any part of the process. And if you are born again, if you have received Eternal Life, then guess what? Time is on our side! The seeds, deeds and love we sow will continue to reap goodness long after we leave this world. Think about our amazing Bible. All those saints, Old and New Testament, are still reaping from all they did in following the Lord while they were still on earth. (see Gal 6:9) Again, I say, we must be patient as we love others, because Time is on our side.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The Bible
February: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
<>< Peace, Diane
