• Editor’s note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i’s religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday, a topic is printed, inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are
• Editor’s note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i’s religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday, a topic is printed, inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are edited. Thoughts or suggestions for future topics are always welcome. Next week the suggested topic is pride. The topic at the end of the column is for the following week.
Kahu Harold
Kalei Kilborn
Church of Koloa
Patience is something we all struggle with. For the Christian, patience is one of the fruits of the spirit (Gal 5:23). It is easy to be patient when there are no interruptions or irritations. The real test of patience is when our schedules are interrupted; when irritations and inconveniences arise. A person who is weak physically, becomes stronger by lifting weights, stretching and developing muscles. In the same way a Christian becomes patient not by taking away all the difficulties, but by putting difficulties into our lives. This is how God stretches our abilities and develops patience in our lives.
Kahu James Fung
Lihu‘e Christian Church
“Don’t just do something; sit there.” Have you heard that wise counsel? It makes sense especially if while sitting we take what I call that “purposeful pause” to pray and to seek God’s direction. Impatience is the fastest road to where we never want to end up. Psalm 37 instructs us to be still before the Lord, to wait patiently for God’s leading, to fret not when we see evil people who seem to be prospering. But those with humility, patience and faithfulness will discover and know the rewards that come to those who wait upon and seek the life that is consistent with God’s purposes.
The word “patience” comes from the Latin “patior” which means to suffer in silence. It is not something that comes naturally. The virtue of patience, one of the fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22), comes as a result of spiritual discipline and maturity of character.
The Hymn of Love in the Christian Bible (1 Corinthians 13) says, “Love is patient and kind.” It’s a simple but profound statement. True love knows how to wait, to patiently get through teary times, to willingly sacrifice, to forgive. That perfectly patient and remarkable love was displayed clearly on the cross when Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” He pleaded with his heavenly father to be patient with those who acted out of ignorance, fear and misguidedness.
Rev. Derrick
Vander Meulen
Kaua‘i Reformation Church
The need for patience is universal. We want things to happen as planned and on schedule, but even children quickly learn that this is rare. We have to wait longer than we think we ought in grocery lines, in traffic, for dinner or for a spouse. To live in this world means we need patience. Patience is the capacity to wait and to endure without complaining or losing heart. The Bible teaches us in Galatians 5:22 that one of the fruits of the Spirit is patience. This means that the person who has come to God through Jesus Christ has the Holy Spirit dwelling within him. And the inevitable result of that indwelling is patience. How then does the Spirit cause this fruit to grow in the Christian life?
The Holy Spirit teaches us to believe the word of God and trust Him even in difficult circumstances. First, because God is completely sovereign. The circumstances of your life are not accidental but purposeful. Second, we trust God. This means God not only has the best purpose, but the best means to accomplish that purpose. Third, we trust God because He is a loving God. God’s plan and purpose for His people are not arbitrary or vindictive but proceed from love. We can be patient and trust God because “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
The Baha’is of Kaua‘i
Few are untouched by these difficult economic times. Many have lost jobs or have taken pay cuts. Thousands are suffering from emotional stresses, the loss of material security and even the loss of faith and hope. How are we to endure these hardships? How do we lend support to one another? The Baha’i scriptures provide counsel for both those with material security and those without. Those who possess wealth are directed to help the needy and God bestows great honor on those who endure their hardship patiently and with dignity.
This guidance is found in the following Baha’i quote: “They who are possessed of riches… must have the utmost regard for the poor, for great is the honor destined by God for those poor who are steadfast in patience. …There is no honor, except what God may please to bestow, that can compare to this honor. Great is the blessedness awaiting the poor that endure patiently and conceal their sufferings, and well is it with the rich who bestow their riches on the needy and prefer them before themselves.”
Topic for two
weeks from today
• Will you speak to us on simplicity?
•Spiritual leaders are invited to e-mail responses of three to five paragraphs to pwoolway@kauaipubco.com.
• Deadline each week is 5 p.m. Tuesday.