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[size=medium]The Fruit of the Spirit Is Patience[/size]
Romans 15:5 (New International Version) "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus..."
Ephesians 4:1-2 (New International Version) Unity in the Body of Christ "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
James 1:2-4 (New International Version) Trials and Temptations "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
In the Greek, two words express the meaning of "patience," another fruit of the Spirit. The first is hupomone, translated "endurance, steadfastness, and fortitude" in circumstances that cannot be changed. The second word, makrothumia, means "great" or "long tempered." It is the opposite of short tempered, impatient, and easily frustrated. In general, it means to stick with things and not to be derailed by adversity. The word is usually applied to having patience with people. A patient person is mild, gentle, and constant in all circumstances. The real test of patience is not in the waiting but in how one behaves while waiting. "But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:4, NKJV).
Reaching this point in one's life takes practice, takes God's grace, and takes a willingness to put aside self and to surrender to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The good news is that if we learn patience, we are in a position to receive many other blessings from God, as well.
Romans 15:5 (New International Version) "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus..."
Ephesians 4:1-2 (New International Version) Unity in the Body of Christ "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
James 1:2-4 (New International Version) Trials and Temptations "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
In the Greek, two words express the meaning of "patience," another fruit of the Spirit. The first is hupomone, translated "endurance, steadfastness, and fortitude" in circumstances that cannot be changed. The second word, makrothumia, means "great" or "long tempered." It is the opposite of short tempered, impatient, and easily frustrated. In general, it means to stick with things and not to be derailed by adversity. The word is usually applied to having patience with people. A patient person is mild, gentle, and constant in all circumstances. The real test of patience is not in the waiting but in how one behaves while waiting. "But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:4, NKJV).
Reaching this point in one's life takes practice, takes God's grace, and takes a willingness to put aside self and to surrender to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The good news is that if we learn patience, we are in a position to receive many other blessings from God, as well.
Betty