Topic: Sunday Reflection: Learning Godly Restraint [Charles Stanley Daily Devotional 22 August 2021]

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Sunday Reflection: Learning Godly Restraint

• AUGUST 22, 2021

Daily In Touch Devotion SUNDAY22

To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the Scripture referenced throughout.

WE ALL WANT TO EXHIBIT the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), but oftentimes that is easier said than done. Let’s look at one aspect of this fruit that’s a struggle for many of us: patience.

The Greek word translated as “patience” is makrothumia. Also rendered as “forbearance” or “longsuffering,” it is a term packed with meaning. According to theologian F. F. Bruce, the word “embraces steadfastness and staying-power. If in English we had an adjective ‘long-tempered’ as a counterpart to ‘short-tempered,’ then makrothumia could be called the quality of being ‘long-tempered’ … which is a quality of God.”

Think about all the times God should have lost His patience with you. But He never has and never will. We can’t attain such a standard in this life, but that’s not to say we can’t make progress with God’s help. All we need do is ask (John 14:13-15). We may face challenges in the process, but our heavenly Father will see that in time everything is perfectly completed—including us (Phil. 1:6).

Think about it
• How can you grow in patience toward others? Toward yourself? Talk to the Lord about this good desire and ask Him to help you cultivate it.

Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 46-48