Living by the Spirit: Patience

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience……Galatians 5:22

“The disciples of a patient Saviour should be patient themselves.” Charles Spurgeon

I have to say patience is definitely something that has to come from the Holy Spirit. It is a trait that does not come naturally to many of us. We live in a world where people can and will get on our nerves. How we react reflects on our growth as believers.

“The Greek word “Makrothumia, which is used in Galatians 5:22, is a compound formed by makros (“long”) and thumos (“passion” or “temper”). “Patience” in Galatians 5:22 literally means “long temper,” in the sense of “the ability to hold one’s temper for a long time.” The KJV translates it “longsuffering.” A patient person is able to endure much pain and suffering without complaining. A patient person is slow to anger as he waits for God to provide comfort and punish wrongdoing.” (GotQuestions)

Paul is talking about how we interact with the people around us. Do you have a short temper or low tolerance? Are you quick to get revenge or retaliate against that person?

It takes self-restraint not to do something to a person who has wronged you. We can see God’s patience with us and many people in the Bible.

“those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.” 1 Peter 3:20 NLT

All of us have wronged God. He has given us a way to repent and correct that wrong by accepting Christ’s sacrifice for us.

“And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.”
2 Peter 3:15a NLT

I like this quote by A.W. Pink an English Bible teacher when he talks about God’s character of patience. “the Divine patience as that power of control which God exercises over himself, causing him to bear with the wicked and forebear so long in punishing them.”

God has not yet given His final judgment because of the nature of His character of longsuffering.

If God is patient with us, how can we not strive to allow the Holy Spirit to help us grow in our patience with others?

Reference
GotQuestions: The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is patience? https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-patience.html