THE FOURTH FRUIT By Sally I. Kennedy

-the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22


Why wait? Do it, and do it now. Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today? Don’t procrastinate! Set your feet to your faith. Roll up your sleeves and get to work. Just do it! I was taught by my parents to be an “action” person, and I have always believed that is part of a good value system. The Bible, however, tells us that patience is a virtue, a “fruit of the Spirit.”

Recently I had an experience that brought this home to me a little better. An idea kept circulating in my mind, and I was just itching to do it. I talked to the Lord about it, sort of. Then I pretty much went right on with my own plans.

The timing wasn’t good, and I blew it. I exercised no patience, just self-determination. Looking back, I believe that if I had waited on the Lord’s timing – with some patience, things would have gone smoothly.

Fruit is something that naturally grows on fruit trees. With good conditions, good fruit; with not-good conditions, not-so-good fruit. Patience is a virtue; it is‘fruit’ exhibited in believer’s lives as a result of Holy Spirit living in and with me. In other words, it’s all about Him, and not about me.

My Father is infinitely patient with me, unbelievably so. I pray that through the power of the Holy Spirit, and the promise in the Bible for the fruit of patience, that I will grow increasingly more of the ‘fourth fruit’, patience. Thank you, Lord, for Your help in this area today.