Call to Discipleship: The Fruit of the Spirit

Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4,5

The  term “fruit of the spirit” is the name of a list of nine Christ-like attributes that helps us to grow in our faith. We will share a monthly topic based on the Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23. We encourage the whole congregation in contemplating these practice and to participate in the monthly mission projects with the Sunday School classes.

The Fruit of Patience

Most of us have heard the bold prayer, “God grant me patience - - Now!!”  While attempting humor, we are actually acknowledging that patience most certainly is cultivated over time and is learned with a persistent heart. Our patience matures as we face life’s challenges and, yet, keep the perspective God wants us to have in our hearts and minds. Just as Job suffered many hardships, he did not blow up and blame God for the things he had to endure. His patience is well-known because he yielded to God’s will and remained faithful. Next time that grocery line seems to be too long or the person in front of you in the bank seems to be taking forever, remember to yield to the time that it takes for God to show you his abiding love for us all.