PATIENCE ~ THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

“We also pray that you will
be strengthened
with all his glorious power
so you will have all the endurance

and patience you need.”
Colossians 1:11 NLT
~~~~~

As we pointed out at the outset of the study on the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, there are nine facets to this fruit. The first three: Love, Joy and Peace basically deal with our thought life; especially in our relationship with God. Today we start with the second set of three: Patience, Kindness and Goodness which primarily have to do with our thoughts and actions towards people and our attitude during trials.

According to the dictionary, patience basically means “good-natured tolerance of delay, or incompetence.” Most of us get irritated when people cut in line in front of us, especially when we are in a hurry and have been in line for some time. We may mutter under our breath, or loud enough for the perpetrator and everyone else to hear. That certainly would not be an expression of patience.

Some people look at patience as “passive waiting or gentle tolerance.” But the words translated “patience” in scripture, are active, robust words. For example Hebrews 12:1 “let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Patience includes the idea of endurance and not only putting up with people who irritate us.

If we had our way, life would pretty much be without trouble or trials, and if we did have problems, we would want God to fix them in a hurry. But we know that’s not what life is like. There are wayward children who keep going down the wrong road, no matter what we say or do. There are medical problems that daily worsen, and God doesn’t heal, no matter how hard we pray. Why does God allow these trials to come into our lives, and why doesn’t he answer our prayers immediately? “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance (patience) has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4

No matter how long it takes for our prayer to be answered, or when answered is not what we asked for, the Holy Spirit will cause the fruit of patience to grow in us - if we keep on trusting the Lord!

Let’s Pray-
Thank you Father for making provision for our growth, even as we go through trying times. By your Spirit cause the fruit of patience to flourish in us, making us “perfect and complete.”
Amen