Patience, a Gift of the Spirit

Once you have love, joy, and peace, can patience follow?

Here we are, working our way through one of the lists of the gifts of the Spirit. Does each gift build on the previous gift? Like the tiers of a pyramid, do the gifts of the Spirit come together so that the top of the pyramid, the cap, is “self-control?” Well, I am probably linking these gifts in a way that was not intended by Paul, but it is an interesting thought. Maybe self-control is so rare because the previous gifts are often not in place!

But now we have the gift of patience. As I look over this list, it seems that patience is the least people-oriented gift of the Spirit. When I think of patience, I think of it as something I need to “do” so that “I” can have what “I” have been waiting for. Blech. And it is usually about materials things, stuff that loses it’s shine and smell of newness as soon as I bring it into my home. Entire economies are built trusting that people are not very good at patience.

If we re-frame this gift however, if we cast a different light on it which is the light of the Holy Spirit, if we see it from another angle, perhaps it becomes more attractive and achievable. What if patience is more about what happens one person to another? What if we could put away our fascination with “stuff” for a while and think about the people who are part of our lives? All of a sudden it seems like we have better air to breathe. We know there are people who are patient with us, and so we recognize the ability to be patient with others.

Lyman Abbott wrote “Patience is passion tamed.” The patience that the Holy Spirit gives is a far cry from apathy or lethargy. The apathetic and lethargic are not patient - they have simply given up. When passion has a direction and the strength to get there one step at a time, like a laser, there is a tremendous amount of direction and purpose.

So in our faith, when is patience called for? You should add to this list:
When our children and grandchildren have not demonstrated a living, active faith.
When people of other faith traditions tell you “how it is.”
When you disappoint yourself spiritually.
When the Bible isn’t speaking to you.
When you would like to finish your journey in this life, and be with your Lord in heaven.
When each today is too much like yesterday.
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May the Lord of love, joy, peace and patience be with you.

Peace, a Gift of the Spirit

First love, then joy, and now peace. Last month I suggested an image of a pyramid, where one level supports the next, etc. As if these gifts of the Spirit have a certain progression to them. I am not certain this is what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he was writing to the Galatians, but it is a curious thought. If love is the base, then joy can easily follow. If love and joy are intact, if they have solid footing, then peace can be a natural progression in communities of faith. Does that make sense? As I think of my own life, I am sure that if I have plenty of love and joy, then peace will be a peace of cake (pun intended!). Someone commented to me that the pyramid is a very strong structure.

We need this spiritual gift at so many occasions. Peace is needed by a mother who is grieving the death of a son. Peace is needed for a person who is thinking about an upcoming surgery. Peace is needed when kids come home from school with problems. Peace is needed between siblings when an unjust decision was made in the family. Peace is needed when next-door neighbors have a clash of opinions. Peace is needed in parts of the world where fighting happens over complex issues. Like waves crashing against a wall, there is opposition to peace in our world, and in our hearts.

Peace has positive side-effects! Clearer thinking, easier breathing, better sleeping, more adaptive and flexible attitudes, patience, etc, these can be unlocked by peace. I am not talking about peace that we can accomplish without our relationship with God. I am talking about peace that ultimately comes from the One who has stilled the opposition, rendered it powerless and made it possible even in this life for us. Through Jesus, a certain peace was created that before did not exist. This peace is yours already. You might as well use it in your own life. Others around you will be captivated by your peace.

Last month I used a quote from Mother Teresa. This month, once again, I would like to quote her. “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

May the Lord of love, joy and peace be with you.