A fruit tree is known by the fruit it bears. If it bears apples it is an apple tree. If it is a Kantuta, it resembles the national flower of Bolivia, not apples. Pretty simple, right? So what kind of fruit do YOU regularly bear in your life? The bible gives clear and practical advice about this. It says the fruit God wants to see in us is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control. (Galatians 5:22-23) We will not likely demonstrate all this fruit all the time, but gradually over time, as we ask the Holy Spirit, He is faithful to make these become recognizable as our general character.

Looking at patience again today, how patient are you with your self? Do you drop something or bump into something and call yourself clumsy or some other negative term? Or do you simply admit a mistake and move on? In dealing with preserving self conversations do you constantly play negative self tapes describing how unworthy you are and listing all your faults, or do you quickly bring these to God and remember how He sees you as His beloved child?

Patience with self requires us to see ourselves in God’s eyes. If we belong to Him, we can have great patience with ourselves because He has so greatly been patient with us. When we confess our wrongs He instantly forgets them. This allows us to be patient with others, bearing them grace and not keeping a record of all their wrongs. Practicing patience with self and with others brings peace of mind and makes way for love and joy to grow in your life and in others’ lives. If I have wronged you, let me know; I need your forgiveness. If you have wronged me, I have already forgotten it.

Got patience? You could wait for a trial to produce it. But it is also a choice you can make right now, and each day.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12