Reflection Questions

Read Galatians 5:22-23 and James 5:5-8

1. Why is patience so difficult for us?
2. When do you find yourself most impatient? Do you bear pain and trial without complaining?
3. How would you describe the biblical concept of “patience” in your own words?
4. Read Romans 5:3-5 and Romans 8:5-6. Throughout Scripture, we see this consistent pattern of suffering and sacrifice now and then glory and reward later. Why is this process necessary and what does it produce in us?
5. In James 5:7, the brother of Jesus uses the example of a farmer, saying, “See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.” How can you connect this concept to your life as a Christian?
6. How can you better practice walking in patience? How can you display it to others?

Memory Verse

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”—James 5:7–8 (NIV)

Prayer Guide

Lord God, we are weak and fragile, easily crushed and cast down under the slightest pressure. We need Your strength of patience to endure and overcome the pressures that we will encounter as our faith in You is challenged. Please continue to produce this patience in us by the work of Your Spirit as You continue to complete the good work You’ve begun in us. Amen.

This Week

The next time you feel your patience start to be tested, take a deep breath and count to ten. Instead of complaining about the pain or trial, try making a list of things to be thankful for in the midst of the trial.

If you have questions you aren’t sure of, please reach out to us at CalvaryFTL.org/Questions.