Patience is one of the fruits of the spirit, and it is a virtue that is necessary during the Christmas season where the temptation to spend excessively is strong. Many people spend hundreds of dollars on gifts for themselves, family members and friends.

Many people spend frivolously on items that they do not necessarily need. The Financial Times states that approximately 30 million unwanted goods worth a total of 500 million pounds (USD750 million) will be returned to the stores.

Most of these gifts are returned on the Thursday after Christmas day. It is not clear why this time is chosen, but one can only assume that after the Christmas excitement is over people can think rationally and make a sensible decision.

People returned gifts because they are the wrong size, it is defective as in the case of electronic, or some people might prefer to get the money instead of the item. In my opinion purchasing gifts for people who are not in need is a waste of money. I also think that reckless spending is as a result of greed and envy.

You can control those two emotions with patience and kindness. According to the English dictionary, patience is the ability or willingness to suppress restlessness. Therefore, when you feel the urge to shop on the internet, or you find it hard to walk past a sale sign, take a deep breath and suppress these feelings.

Instead of buying gifts for each member of the family why not pool the money together and purchase something for someone who is in need or give them the money. You can then shop together as a family and buy the things that you want. You will gain more satisfaction, and it will strengthen your family relationship.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm. (Psalms 37: 7-8)

Published by Beverley

Beverley has been serving the Lord since she was a child. At an early age, she recognized that God had a special plan for her life, but it was not until in her adulthood that she surrendered her total life to God and accepted the mandate that God placed on her life. The Lord called her into His Kingdom to be an encourager, intercessor, teacher, scribe, priest, and to proclaim the Word of God. Since then, Beverly has established a blog to teach us to become the oil and wine. The oil and wine are purified and mature products, which is the advanced level that the Lord expected of us. In 2017, Beverley published her first book, Harm Not The Oil And Wine. In it, she described her trials and how God helped her to overcome them, and to live more victoriously. The book also exposed the enemy of our souls with detailed information about his past defeats and future extinction. Wright spents most of her time studying the Bible to know the truth of God’s Word. She believes that only God’s truth can expose the deception of the enemy, and uproot and tear down spiritual strongholds. You can learn more about Beverley’s life and testimony on her website becomingtheoilandwine.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Google+ under the name of her blog, and on Twitter as @Theoilandwine. View all posts by Beverley