In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams continues his series on the Fruit of the Spirit with guest Bill Watkins, focusing on patience. They begin by reflecting on the Spirit’s role in forming believers’ character, emphasizing that while people without the Spirit may show love or joy, the Spirit empowers Christians to embody these qualities to a higher degree. The conversation underscores that the Spirit’s fruit is not just for personal holiness but for building relationships within the church and the world. Living selfishly leads to destruction, but living by the Spirit creates life and community.

They dive into patience specifically, distinguishing between two Greek words: hupomonē (endurance through circumstances) and makrothumia (long-suffering with people). Paul uses the latter in Galatians 5, highlighting that patience is mainly about how we treat others, especially when they are difficult. They point out that patience is most clearly demonstrated in God’s dealings with humanity—his restraint and mercy despite our sin. Christians are called to mirror that same patience, recognizing that God desires all people to be saved.

Bill Watkins is the Pulpit Minister for the Crieve Hall Church of Christ in Nashville, TN. He shares practical ministry and personal stories about cultivating patience, from handling criticism as a preacher to seeing daily annoyances as opportunities to show God’s love. He encourages listeners not to take offenses personally but to see difficult people as souls God wants to redeem.

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