A Closer Look at the Fruit of the Spirit: Patience

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. For the Christian, the fourth item Scripture lists as “the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) is patience. In this verse patience literally means “the ability to hold one’s temper for a long time.” It also means “longsuffering.” A patient person is slow to anger as he or she waits for God to provide comfort and punish wrongdoing. Since patience is a fruit of the Spirit, we can only possess it through the power and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and hence the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit by keeping in step with Him. Paul says it this way, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). This involves humility, listening, and a willingness to obey God. Patience comes from a position of power because, a person may have the ability to take revenge or cause trouble, but patience brings self-restraint and careful thinking. Losing patience is a sign of weakness. We are patient through trying situations out of hope for a coming deliverance; we are patient with a trying person out of compassion and kindness. We choose to love that person and want what’s best for him. As the Spirit produces patience in us, He is making us more Christlike. Paul teaches, “May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ” (2 Thessalonians 3:5). If someone is steadfast (patient) in something that they are doing, they are convinced that what they are doing is right and they refuse to change it or to give up. We should be patient, even as Jesus is patient. Patient folks leave room for God to work in our hearts and in our relationships. When God asks us to be patient, it is for reasons like refining us more into His image, building character and steadfastness of Jesus in our lives, becoming testimonies to others, and growing our faith in Him regardless of our circumstances. Be encouraged!