Personal thoughts, honest reflections, and real-life faith — less structured than devotionals, more journal-style. From brokenness to wholeness, one post at a time.
Among the nine parts of the fruit of the Spirit, my least favourite is long-suffering. To suffer long means "having or showing patience despite troubles, especially those caused by other people." Sometimes, I feel it's unfair to endure this, particularly when it results from others' actions.
I'm realising that for a Christian, patience is an important aspect of the journey. It is not a passive thing — it is active, costly, and often deeply uncomfortable. And yet, it is the very thing God keeps bringing me back to.
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
— Romans 12:18In Romans 12:18, we are encouraged to live peacefully with everyone — if possible, as much as it depends on us. This implies that as Christians, we should actively seek peace and pursue it, as stated in Psalm 34:14. Peace is not something that just happens. We pursue it. We choose it. Even when it is not chosen in return.
The Lord is teaching me how to respond well in tough seasons. The Scriptures remind us that our sufferings produce perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3–4) We must know that our suffering is not in vain. God has a purpose for it — even when we cannot trace it from where we are standing.
"So in seasons when I feel like my faith is being tested and I'm going through things that do not feel pleasant, I encourage myself in the Lord."
When provoked — and we will be provoked — I am learning that I must not respond in a rash manner. The tendency is to react immediately, to say the thing, to send the message, to prove the point. But the Word is clear:
"Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs."
— Proverbs 19:11I am also learning to give thanks in all circumstances — not just the pleasant ones. When going through tough times, gratitude is not denial. It is not pretending things are fine when they are not. It is a deliberate act of trust that says: God is still God, and He is still good, even in this.
Gratitude keeps me calm. It keeps my head level when everything around me is pressing. Instead of complaining and grumbling throughout the season — which only makes it heavier — I am choosing to look for what God is doing, even when I cannot see the full picture.
This is not a blog post that ends with a perfectly tied bow. I am still in the middle of learning this. Some days I get it right. Some days I send the message I should not have sent, or I let the frustration win. But God is faithful to keep teaching — and I am committed to keep learning.
If you are in a trying season right now — one where patience feels impossible and peace feels far away — I hope this reflection is a reminder that you are not alone in the process. He is still working. Even here. Even now.
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