One of the Fruits of the Spirit is patience. As we are connected to the Vine, as we are connected to Jesus and walk in the Spirit, patience is one of the facets of the
diamond called the Fruit of the Spirit that will be evident in our lives.
Patience is something we all want and admire but the reality is that patience only exists in a world of disruptions, disappointment and delays. We cannot show patience
unless the situation calls for it–and the situations that call for it are not the ones we would choose for ourselves.
Impatience which is not from the Spirit, is a battle for control. The reason patience is a Fruit of the Spirit is that patience is a humble embrace of what we cannot control,
which comes from an abiding and deep trust that God is faithful and from a heart that is deeply happy to have Him.
True patience is humanly speaking–impossible. The kind of patience that honors God is so difficult we can’t have it without help from God. It develops only from the Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
FLAVORS OF PATIENCE
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)
This is a verse about patience in real life. Several groups are listed: the idle, the disheartened, and the weak. We are called to be patient with all of them and in all
situations. Which means we will have the opportunity to be impatient with them.
Warn Those Who Are Idle
It is easy to see how the idle would test our patience. In Thessaloniki, many Christians thought Jesus was returning immediately and they started neglecting their work and
responsibilities.
“Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come.” 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (NIV)
The idle test our patience because they refuse to take responsibility and initiative. They could help more, step in more, contribute in important ways, but they’re content not
to, which means someone else has to do more. Paul writes to admonish them–warn, wake them up–but do that with patience. Be patient with them all.
Encourage the Fainthearted
The fainthearted lack the stamina and strength to carry their burdens. They are overwhelmed with what they face and are discouraged. We all have our own burdens to
bear, so to help someone else, to encourage someone else can feel draining. The ministry of encouragement requires endurance along with patience.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)
We are called to help people experience those verses. And how great is it when God renews and strengthens someone through our patient help? We need patience to
continue on in encouraging others.
Help the Weak
The weak test our patience because they need more from us than most people. We help people in the short-term, but often the weak need help long-term. And that
requires patience.
This instruction means inconvenience and sacrifice. Where does that sort of patience come from?
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6 (NIV)
Jesus died for us. Us–the weak ones. When we know how weak and helpless we are apart from God, we are more prepared to help the weaknesses of others.
A Patient God for Impatient People
As we walk in the Spirit, as we are connected to the Vine, we realize the patience of God toward sinners like us–sinners like me. God is patient with us and as we follow
Him and are connected to Him we receive His power to be…patient.
Patience will be difficult. Patience can lead us to sacrifice and surrender. But the painfulness of our patience serves a great and beautiful purpose: To call attention and focus
