PatienceSample

In the Spirit

I like to think I’m a patient person. I’ve thought this about myself for a long time. However, get me to drive in slow traffic, or sort out a disagreement between my daughters, and patient is not who I am.

The final chapter of Galatians starts with encouraging brothers and sisters in Christ to ‘carry one another’s burdens’. It also warns of being led into sin, and to take responsibility for our walk with Jesus. After that, verses 7 to 10 of chapter 6 place patience as a link between genuine service in the Spirit and perseverance in doing good.

‘Let us not become weary in doing good’ is a lovely rally cry to keep on keeping on with doing the good God calls us to. But we all know that it can be easier said than done, especially when carrying our own burdens (let alone someone else’s).

Without the power of God, I don’t really know how to hang in there. Even the prospect of ‘reaping a harvest’ from the good seed sowed by God is not enough to inspire my committed service. I’m grateful for the Spirit’s help (verse 8) to fight the fatigue of being there for others.

Written by BEN McEACHEN