Patience
The way to know whether you or someone else is walking in the Spirit is by the fruit it produces. This week we are looking at the fruit and word ‘patience.’ This word is found in Galatians 5:22-23 “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23) gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” It is interesting to me that this is mentioned in the bible in many different passages, and with the use of another word such as ‘waiting on God.’
Waiting on God takes patience, I have heard it said don’t ask for patience because then you’ll have to go through trails. That is not what the word says. It tells us that we must add to our faith and that as we have patience we will become mature. If we have no trials, how do you know if we are growing in patience?
James 1: 2-4 “Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
What does the word patience mean? It means “The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.” Cambridge Dictionary “The ability to wait or to continue doing something despite difficulties, or to suffer without complaining or becoming annoyed.”
Well now that we know exactly what patience looks like, how do we apply patience in situations? I personally think we need to step back in our thinking when a situation is out of our control and speak truths to yourself. I speak the word of God to myself to remind myself God is in control. My trust is not in the situation it is in Almighty God who works on my behalf. I trust my life to my Lord and Savior. It is important to step back emotionally so that we can hear clearly and make wise decisions. I do this by speaking truths to myself concerning whatever situation it is.
On Thursday, a friend and I were in a car accident. I was not driving she was cut off in the roundabout and had to apply her breaks it was icy and the person behind us could not stop. This young girl was shaken as we too, but we were gracious and patient with her. Being older and having experienced an accident before we managed to bring comfort with our words and actions. We had to wait for the police and wait through insurance calls. With all of that going on it was important for us to have patience. Being calm in stressful situations brings peace to the situation.
My friend’s car unfortunately was damaged and now she will have to wait for it to be repaired. I was looking sideways talking to her when we were cut off and then hit so I have a mild whiplash, so I have a waiting also as I heal. All of that is just one experience of patience in action.
As we go through life, we all have different opportunities to develop and walk out patience. If you struggle with patience know that when you are His child, He is always working on conforming you into Christlikeness and we know Jesus walked in patience. Jesus endured opposition, difficulties and pressure on all sides such as family, religious and cultural pressure. Plus, He was tortured, spit upon and carried the sins of the world without complaint. The Bible says He was tempted in all areas but sinned not.
Since patience is a part of the fruit of the Spirit you will know then by that fruit if you are walking and being led by the Spirit. This aspect is a practical way in understanding the importance of our actions, attitudes and words. What we do and say truly does affect those around us and this is a byproduct of either our flesh or the Spirit.