Class Three: Peace and Patience
Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such there is no law."
Peace and Patience in Dating
Peace and patience are two key fruits of the Spirit that help shape our relationships. Peace refers to a sense of calmness and trust in God, while patience is the ability to endure hardships with a steady and hopeful spirit. Both require a deep surrender to God’s will and timing.
1. Peace: Trusting in God’s Plan
The Greek word for peace in Galatians 5:22 is "eirene," which means a deep sense of well-being and tranquility that comes from trusting in God. True peace is not just the absence of conflict but a state of contentment in God’s love and care.
"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3)
To cultivate peace:
Surrender worries and fears to God.
Trust in His plans and purposes.
Seek God’s wisdom in all areas of life.
2. Patience: Enduring with Hope
The Greek word for patience in Galatians 5:22 is "makrothumia," which means patient endurance and forbearancein the face of difficulties. Patience is rooted in trust in God's character and faithfulness and helps us navigate challenges with grace and perseverance.
"But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance." (Romans 8:25)
To cultivate patience:
Resist the urge to control outcomes.
Trust in God's timing and plan.
Develop humility and self-control.
Signs Someone Lacks Peace and Patience
Here are three key indicators that someone has not yet developed Spirit-led peace and patience:
Constant Agitation – Easily upset, anxious, or restless, struggling to find calm in difficult situations.
Easily Frustrated – Losing patience quickly with inconveniences or delays, leading to irritability or anger.
Controlling Behavior – Seeking control over everything to ease anxiety, resulting in being overly demanding, critical, or struggling to trust others.
Self-Examination: Do You Walk in Peace and Patience?
A deep soul-searching question to ask yourself:
Do I trust God's timing and plan for my life, even when it doesn't align with my own desires and expectations?
Consider:
Do I find peace in the midst of difficult circumstances?
Can I extend patience and grace when things don’t go as planned?
Do I feel the need to control everything, or can I surrender to God’s will?
Pursuing Peace and Patience in Relationships
To cultivate Spirit-led peace and patience in dating:
Seek a partner who embodies these traits – Look for someone who trusts God’s plan and remains patient through life’s challenges.
Develop these qualities in yourself – Walk in daily surrender to God and let Him shape your heart.
Pray for guidance – Trust that God’s timing is perfect and His plans are far greater than our own.
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25)
A relationship built on peace and patience fosters a strong foundation for long-term harmony and stability.
Next Class: Kindness and Goodness in Relationships