The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience

The Fruit of the Spirit:  Patience

 By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe 

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

            As we have learned, walking in the agape love of God brings joy and peace into our lives.  It is in that love, joy and peace that we develop longsuffering.  Many translations use “patience” instead of “longsuffering.” 

          The Greek word according to Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary is “makrothumos”.  A close reading of the definition teaches us the personal characteristics that underscore Christian patience.  Longanimity, forbearance and fortitude are included in Strong’s definition.

            Longanimity is defined as patient endurance of hardship, injuries, or offense; forbearance, calmness in the face of suffering and adversity, and toleration, moved by love and the desire for peace, of something painful that deserves to be rejected or opposed.  In summary, longanimity is good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence.  (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=longanimity)  The operative word is “good-natured”.  A good nature is founded upon love, joy and peace. 

 

            One definition of forbearance in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “the quality of someone who is patient and able to deal with a difficult person or situation without becoming angry.”  Fortitude is strength and courage in the face of trial.  Fortitude comes from the joy of the Lord which is our strength.

 

            Before we can show forbearance to other people, we must first learn to be patient with our Lord.  Many times, God asks us to wait patiently before Him as He works in us and through us.  “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV). 

 

            Paul penned a powerful description of patience in Romans 12:
^“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;  rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:10-18 (NKJV).

            With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).  We must remember that, as Christians, the Holy Spirit of God indwells us.  Because of that indwelling, the fruit of the Spirit is already present in our lives.  It is important for us to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and to empower us to manifest that fruit.   Then we can concur with Job, “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold (Job 23:10 NKJV).