Clothed With Patience
Scripture Reading — Colossians 1:9-14
We have not stopped praying … that you may have great endurance and patience …
Colossians 1:9-11
The Holy Spirit is at work molding our character, shaping our attitudes, and directing our steps so that we will increasingly become the “aroma of Christ” to others (see 2 Corinthians 2:14-16). In the strength of the Holy Spirit we begin to think and act like Jesus.
Another quality of the fruit that the Master Gardener wants to grow and harvest in our lives is “patience” (Galatians 5:22). A proverb concerning patience says, “Patience is a virtue; seize it if you can …” In fact, patience is often in short supply in our world. Someone once prayed, “Lord give me patience, and give it to me right now!”
The apostle Paul told the Colossian brothers and sisters that he longed for them to “live a life worthy of the Lord” and to please God “in every way.” Paul made clear that in order to do that, they would need to develop lives that showed patience and endurance.
Later in the same letter, Paul explained again to his friends in Christ that patience is essential, along with several other “virtues” bound together in love (Colossians 3:14). Paul wrote, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with … patience” (Colossians 3:12).
Take a close look at your own life. Is patience part of your wardrobe?
Lord, we need to be clothed with patience. Help us by your Spirit to exercise patience at all times as we strive to please you in -every way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Shawn Brix
Rev. Shawn Brix has served as pastor in several Ontario churches. He and his wife, Jenny, have three children.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!