Being Attractive Without Having To Look Good - Patience

(The following is a summary of the message that was preached on June 30 by Michael Larsen.)

God's Extreme Makeover: Part III

Galatians 5

“When the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.”

In Part One I gave an overview of this message. In part two we talked about peace.  This week we are talking about patience.  

Patience or impatience is simply our response to the outer world.  I think there are three universals that trigger our impatience.

1.  Relationships

2.  Life circumstances

3.  Stupidity - Both your own and other peoples.       

The Picture

- self-restraint that doesn’t retaliate. 

- having a long fuse and hanging in there.  

Why is this a fruit of the Spirit?  

1. Patience reflects love

1 Corinthians 13, the chapter of what love is all about.  The very first thing it says is “Love is patient.”  Ephesians 4:2 “Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”  

2.  Patience leads to spiritual growth.  

James 1:3-4 says “For when your faith is tested your endurance [or you patience] has a chance to grow.  So let it grow for when your endurance is fully developed you’ll be strong in character and ready for anything.”  

3. Patience is rewarded.  

In essence you will be more attractive.  That’s going to be rewarded here on earth. The Bible also teaches that patience is going to be rewarded in eternity.  

The PROBLEM

1.  Overload. Too busy

2.  Expectations.  Leads to disappointment.

3.  Pride

The PLAN

1. You reflect before you respond.  Gains us the necessary perpective.

2. You respond with prayer. Give us the power to change.

3. You pray for His kingdom to replace yours.