For Fruit of the Spirit: Forbearance
Holy Spirit,
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. In our quick-to-react, impatient, and short-tempered society, forbearance is in short supply. Too often I find it woefully lacking in myself as well. In your mercy, forgive me.
Cultivate a harvest of this fruit of forbearance within me. Produce in me patience in place of knee-jerk reactions, and restraint rather than snarky and rash responses. Along with these give me the resolve to endure seasons of suffering or hardship. Encourage me to persevere when I am inclined to give up or am tempted to turn anywhere other than to you for help. Work in me the wisdom to wait on your timing to reveal or unravel in my life anything that requires clarity. Finally, use the faithful forbearance you bring about in my life to be a blessing in the lives of others.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.