“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:16
Joy comes in knowing God is up to something regardless of what the circumstances appear to be at the present time. Joy in a marriage is knowing at a core level that even in tough times, God is good, good can come out of this, and believing He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. I know that sounds religious, but for me, I know God is able, so I trust Him.
That lets me have joy in knowing somehow, someway He is working this all out and I might even have a good laugh one day about the incident or season. I get peace when I come from the place of trusting God in the circumstance. Patience is harder for me. I am a Type A, go, go, go guy. I have learned that patience can be sweet and it seems to help me give grace to Lisa and accept her more than trying to conform her to my wishes.
I have found patience comes when I make the incident more about serving Lisa. If I can lose myself in serving, I usually can reach patience. If I can challenge my belief that it’s supposed to go my way, and be open to her direction too, I can also access patience. I am still learning and growing in this area of fruit. I do know this, when I get it right, Lisa sure appreciates it.
{Next Steps}
To read more about the Fruits of the Spirit in Marriage, purchase Miracle of Marriage by Douglas Weiss, Ph.D. While you are reading this book or researching this topic, if any time questions come up we are here to answer any questions. You may contact Dr. Weiss via his website, drdougweiss.com, by phone at 719-278-3708 or through email at heart2heart@xc.org.
{About}
Douglas Weiss, Ph.D., is a nationally known author, speaker and licensed psychologist. He is the executive director of Heart to Heart Counseling Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the author of several books including Servant Marriage, Sex, Men and God, Intimacy; and his latest, Worthy: Exercise and Step Book.
