The Fruit of the Spirit, that indwells us, has power to produce supernatural peace and patience, in addition to love and joy that we spoke of in our last edition.
God is called “the God of peace” a number of times in the New Testament. We are also encouraged to allow the “peace of God” to dominate our emotions. Philippians 4:7-10. Because of who God is, unlike us, He lives in a zone that can never be invaded by any peace-robbing drama.
In my life I have had the pleasure of knowing some friends who enjoy a calm demeanour, and are able to weather the storms of life with unusual serenity. What a pleasure it is to spend time in their company, especially when we are facing some kind of drama that is threatening to derail our sense of tranquility.
The most trustworthy Friend is the Lord God Himself. He delights to impart His peace to us. “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1.
The quality of God’s peace is ours as the “Fruit of the Spirit,” is not just for us to enjoy for ourselves, but as a fruit that grows and matures on the “tree” of our life, so others can come and enjoy this life calming fruit. God knows how hectic life can be and He desires to give us His supernatural peace that is not dependent on our being in idyllic circumstances. “God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.
In addition to the love, joy and peace we previously discussed, one of the most amazing characteristics of God is His patience. What is so surprising about this is that it requires enormous humility on God’s part.
The artist William Holman Hunt captures the humility and patience of God in His painting of Jesus knocking at the heart’s door. In this picture the Almighty stands patiently waiting for you and me to open our heart’s door, so He can come in. Although He is the Almighty, He humbly waits for us.
There is no door-handle on the outside in this painting. This door can only be opened from the inside. This illustrates how God, though He has power to invade our lives, prefers to patiently and humbly wait for us to willingly open our heart’s door and invite Him in.
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