“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control” (Galatians 5:22)
We were waiting for the traffic light to turn green. A car beside us (going the opposite direction) had her left turn signal light on, waiting to cross our lane. The woman in the car behind her was not impressed. Impatiently, she sat on her horn, then got out of her car and gave the driver a vicious tongue-lashing. She could have easily passed on the other side but chose to vent her hostilities instead.
While we watched this display of uncontrolled anger, we realized with surprise that we knew the woman! I am sure she would have felt terribly embarrassed had she known we witnessed her tirade.
But don’t we all go through those moments of impatience, if not verbally, then in our thoughts? The Holy Spirit reminded me of that just yesterday, I was impatient with a new waitress at a coffee shop. I had to repeat my order several times before she got it straight and although I didn’t say anything to her, my impatience showed.
When the Holy Spirit is in control of our lives, He will produce patience.
Lord Jesus, thank You for providing your Holy Spirit who produces patience in us. Please be in control of Your children’s lives. We want to reflect You and not our impatience. Amen
by Katherine Kehler
used by permission
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