The Fruit of the Spirit - Pt 5

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV). The next word the apostle uses is one of the most difficult to deal with; it is “patience,: which comes from the Greek word "makrothumia." The word used here means "with long temper" or "to bear with" or "longsuffering". According to the Vines it is “that quality of self restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish; it is the opposite of anger, associated with mercy. It does not surrender to circumstance or succumb to trial. It is connected to hope." It is also one of the catalysts to receive the promises of God (cf. Hebrews 6:12). Some of this characteristic has to do with simply slowing down. I find it so easy to get into a hurry. That is counterproductive to achieving peace. To those of you who are like me and seem to always be in a hurry, here’s some good advice from the 19th-century preacher A. B. Simpson: “Beloved, have you ever thought that someday you will not have anything to try you, or anyone to vex you again? There will be no opportunity in heaven to learn or to show the spirit of patience, forbearance, and longsuffering. If you are to practice these things, it must be now.” Each day affords countless opportunities to learn patience. Let’s not waste them. Commenting on our need for this virtue, M. H. Lount has said, “God’s best gifts come slowly. We could not use them if they did not. Many a man, called of God to work in which he is pouring out his life, is convinced that the Lord means to bring his efforts to a successful conclusion. Nevertheless, even such a confident worker grows discouraged at times and worries because results do not come as rapidly as he would desire. But growth and strength in waiting are results often greater than the end so impatiently longed for. Paul had time to realize this as he lay in prison. Moses must have asked, ‘Why?’ many times during the delays in Midian and in the wilderness. Jesus Himself experienced the discipline of delay in His silent years before His great public ministry began. God wants us to see results as we work for Him, but His first concern is our growth. That’s why He often withholds success as we learn patience. The Lord teaches us this needed lesson through the blessed discipline of delay.” If you find yourself in one of those places where you are being called on to wait, relax. God knows your path and has not forgotten you on the way. He may be simply allowing you a little time to catch your breath before the next climb! It is an incredible work of the Holy Spirit as he produces in us a patience that enables us not be crushed by circumstances nor give up in the face of adversity. It allows us to draw strength from the foundation of our faith that God will accomplish what He has promised in our lives.