“The Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience.” Galatians 5:22
Over the last few weeks, I have repeatedly read that one should ask God for understanding. I can just hear everyone saying "HUH??? That's not in my Bible?! That isn't one of the fruit of the Spirit!"
No. It isn't one of the fruit of the Spirit, but it is in the Bible. Incidentally, Proverbs provides the answer: "Whoever is patient has great understanding"- Proverbs 14:29.
There isn't much excuse for being judgemental (in fact, God, through the Bible, explicitly tells us NOT to judge others), or for having a lack of understanding. However, from experience, I have learnt that both of these require time. Time to listen to people, time to REALLY listen. To hold back that judgemental voice and realise that just because someone's on a different path to you doesn't mean that it isn't the right path for them. We are, after all, each living our own lives, with our own backgrounds, experiences and challenges.
Take time to get to know those God brings across your path; take time to really understand them.
