Fruitage of the Spirit - Part 5 "Patience"

This month the Spiritual quality that we will consider is patience. The Greek word for patience is makrothymia and it literally means "longness of spirit". This quality encompasses being slow to anger and purposeful endurance and forbearance while suffering. A person who is patient can be considered as being steadfast - reliable, faithful, and true to the end.

Almighty God is the ultimate example of patience and forbearance. The Old Testament scriptures continually refer to God as one who is "slow to anger". (Exodus 34:6; Joel 2:13) Paul refers to Him as the "God of endurance" (Romans 15:5)

From the time of the fall of Adam forward mankind was under a death sentence. Yet the patience of God was made manifest by his redemptive plan for humanity. Peter encourages us to "regard the patience of our Lord as salvation" (2 Peter 3:15) God is not quick to anger to destroy anyone but allows time for repentance. (2 Peter 3:9,10) Similarly Paul writes, "Or do you have contempt for the wealth of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, and yet do not know that God's kindness leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4)

As Christians we need to be conforming ourselves to the Word of God, the teachings of Jesus. Thus we are not allowed to defend ourselves as Jesus commands, "Do not resist an evil person" (Matthew 5:39) When confronted with adversarial individuals the natural, fleshly reaction is self-defense. Even if we are not prone to physical violence our tendency may be to verbally stand up for ourselves. It is at times like this that we need to seek the spirit and manifest supernatural patience. James encourages us, "My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience." (James 5:10)

The biggest opportunity to show patience is in the face of suffering, adversity and persecution. In this, Jesus is such an amazing example of patient endurance. He embodied patience under severe trials. In prophetically writing about him the prophet Isaiah said, "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth." (Isa 53:7)

From a fleshly perspective such a seemingly complacent attitude may be viewed as a sign of weakness but according to God's word it is actually greater than physical strength. "Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city." (Proverbs 16:32, NIV) Jesus proved this to be true. When he was crucified in weakness he triumphed over the enemy. Of him it is said, "Disarming the rulers and authorities, he made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross." (Col 2:15)

Patience is an identifying mark of Christians as God's servants. (2 Cor 6:4-6) As the "elect of God" we are required to clothe ourselves with patience. (Col 3:12) Patient endurance is a vital component of our salvation. (Mat 24:13) When we experience suffering we can rejoice knowing that our suffering, produces endurance along with character and hope. (Romans 5:3,4) The author of the epistle to the Hebrews encourages them to endure in the faith while suffering instead of shrinking back. It is through such faithful patience that we preserve our souls. (Hebrews 10:32-39) In Revelation Jesus himself commends his congregation for their "steadfast endurance" (Rev 2:2,19) This patience is not something that comes naturally from within the fallen flesh but rather it is a gift from God for it is he who is able to "direct [our] hearts … toward the endurance of Christ." (2 Thess 3:5)

Patience does not just come into play when dealing with those that we might consider as enemies but also with our brother and sisters in Christ. Within the congregation patience is required in our "putting up with one another." (Eph 4:2) We all are works in progress and at different points in our spiritual walk and within the Christian family there are both mature and young. So again we are urged by Paul, "be patient toward all." (1 Th 5:14) Because God is patient with us we are required to be patient with one another. (Romans 15:5)

In dealing with his disciples, whom he considered as friends, Jesus manifested such patience. His apostles were often slow to understand the lessons that Jesus was trying to impart and they were quick to break into squabbles and arguments. The Lord patiently dealt with them and the outcome was positive. These ones became good examples in imitation of Jesus and the foundation of his congregation. (Eph 2:20)

A key element then in patience is hope. Whether we are enduring on behalf of friends or foes we do so with the hope of a change in the situation. And this hope is not just for our personal relief. Just as God is patient with us in hope that we will change our hope is that even an enemy will turn around and seek repentance. We also hope in our own salvation that is promised to those who endure to the end.