Fruits of the Spirit: Patience

Fruits of the Spirit — a Dock Line poetry series reflecting on Galatians 5:22–23. Part 4 of 9.

In this series, each poem listens for how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control show up in ordinary life—with the Lord interrupting hurry, worry, and noise to speak a quieter word.

I was busy ruminating on problems that weren’t mine to solve
When my Father showed up

And asked if I would like to sit with Him

And lower my shoulders out of my ears

And breathe in deeply to slow down my thoughts

He says to me, “patience is found in your tongue”

I listen to more,

“if you can tame your tongue
All the qualities of a patient person will follow

You can choose not to say words so quickly
Then, your mouth will not be so quick to lead you straight to regret

The act of patience kills the thoughts
That you can control time and space

The act of patience rips at the inside of your flesh
As you want to lash out, you choose restraint

Holding still, waiting until it’s time, fighting against your will
Not saying the things you think you need to say

You have more control over your tongue than you think
The strength required to keep quiet will feel weak at first

But it will result in a muscle being strengthened right in your mouth
And the muscle of control that you have relied on will weaken its grip”

Explore the series: Love · Joy · Peace · Patience · Kindness · Goodness · Faithfulness · Gentleness · Self-Control

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” — Galatians 5:22–23