THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS…PATIENCE

…Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing – James 1:3-4

“But the fruit of the Spirit is…PATIENCE…” (Gal.5:22). In this society that is in a hurry for everything, we need a lot of patience. This facet of the Fruit of the Spirit is also referred to as longsuffering, endurance, perseverance or persistence. It is active and dynamic, not passive. Hebrews 12:1b says, “…Let us RUN WITH PATIENCE the race that is set before us.” We are to “RUN…not crawl, with Patience”! Romans 2:7 speaks of “those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honour and immortality” (Rom.2:7). This means persevering in well-doing until due time (Gal.6:9). Patience does not imply standing on one spot or resting on your oars while waiting passively.

Patience is how you act while you are waiting; your mental posture, heart-attitude, and spiritual stance while waiting on or walking with God. Patience is walking in step, in tune, and in divine timing with the God of Patience (Rom.15:5). God is not slow according to our perception of slowness. If not for His patience, none of us could ever have been saved (2Pet.3:9). His patience is comparable to that of a farmer who works with the seasons: “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. SEE HOW THE FARMER WAITS for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient” (Jam.5:7). The farmer waits actively – not passively – for the precious fruit and harvest!

Patience is most pronounced through seasons of trials. Indeed, “tribulation works patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Rom.5:3-4). Another translation says “tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (NKJV). We are therefore encouraged to be patient through tough times and persistent in prayers: “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Rom.12:12). Patience is a key aspect of divine processing and character formation. Love is patient; and one great way to show love to others is to be patient with them (1Cor.13:4). Moreover, when we get impatient, we are prone to making mistakes, some of which could be very costly.

Patience is vital to the Overcoming Life. The Lord said, “In your patience possess your souls” (Lk.21:19). If you do not possess your soul in patience, it will possess you. Ecclesiastes 7:8b states that “the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit”! Patience is an essential attribute of God’s servants: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be…patient” (2Tim.2:24). We are enjoined to “be patient toward all men” (1The.5:14b); and to “imitate those who through faith and PATIENCE inherit the promises (Heb. 6:12). “You have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Heb.10:36). The fruit of patience shall have perfect work in your life in Jesus name!