The Blessing of Patience: Living a Life with No Regrets

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The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience (emphasis mine), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

– Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

I read the following words engraved on the back of a tombstone at a local cemetery: "No Regrets." I laughed to myself. You won’t find that on my tombstone. I have regrets, many marked by a lack of patience.

In my head I think, “I should have done this” or “I should have said that.” I wish I could have a do-over. But I can’t. Instead, I’ll concentrate on growing the fruit of the Spirit–especially patience.

We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience. (Romans 5:3, KJV)

Paul wrote about glorying in the challenges he faced spreading the gospel, and we have those too. However, we also might also consider the challenges we face in everyday life as tribulations.

For example, the tribulation of a lingering illness, ours or a loved ones. Or the tribulation of our children’s struggles–being bullied, dealing with dyslexia, or mental challenges. All of these cause heartache. Instead of dwelling on the heartache, we can pray for insight and patience to deal with the issues as we explore resources.

I regret I wasn’t more patient when my husband lost his taste before his passing. I sometimes became exasperated when nothing I suggested cooking appealed to him. I could have used a softer tone of voice and possibly cajoled him into eating something—if I promised dessert. He loved sweets.

You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:3-4, NIV)

Nothing tests our faith like unanswered prayers. I know this to be true. We pray and pray and pray that loved ones will come to Christ or that a wayward child will

come home. We go on for years without seeing results. Is God really there? And if He is, is He listening to me?

Let's look back over prayer lists or think back over things we’ve prayed for. Notice if we've given up praying about anything. Let's refresh that prayer and take heart. God hears. It’s our privilege to develop patience as we wait for an answer.

Instead of mulling over the times we failed to be patient, let’s think about the good times. The times we’ve said the right thing. The times we’ve enjoyed a success or two. The times we’ve just enjoyed each other’s company.

While we may not be able to engrave “No Regrets” on our tombstone, developing patience will leave us with fewer regrets when this life ends. Will you join me in praying to be a more patient person?

Put on your new nature, created to be like God–truly righteous and holy. (Ephesians 4:24, NLT)

Questions for Reflection:

1. Where do you find you most lack patience? At work? With your family? With strangers? Memorize Ephesians 4:24 and repeat it to yourself at such times.

2. Do any of your regrets include unfinished business? For instance, would you like to apologize to someone for a remark you made? If so, take action.

3. Where might you find resources to deal with a tribulation you face? Search for them.