The Fruit of Patience
Our first Fruit discussion, for the month of July, is patience. Forbearance and long-suffering is mentioned on other bible translations. Like the other fruit, this fruit discussion is timely cause people’s patience these days…whew. So let’s dive in.
The Fruit of Patience
The Greek word for patience is makrothumia (μακροθυμία) meaning long-passion and waiting for a sufficient time before expressing anger, being divinely regulated, slowness in avenging wrongs, and exercising the quality of being long-tempered1. Another way of defining makrothumia is a “God-centered restraint that endures provocation without surrendering to resentment or retaliation. Rather than mere passivity, it is a purposeful waiting that preserves righteousness and seeks the good of others2.”
You see that!?! God wants us, His children, to be mentally and spiritually regulated (my psychology brain is hype!). God-centered patience is regulated; man’s patience is unpredictable. God is asking to not always respond or react to every single issue. Sometimes, God will ask us to be still and regulate. Not every action calls for a response.
As mentioned, the Jewish Christians were loyal to the Law of Moses and wanted the Gentile Christians to fall in line. I bet there was pettiness amongst Jewish believers and Gentile believers in the Early Church. I bet there were short-tempered quarrels, arguing, and maybe a physical laying of “holy hands” during that time over the Christian lifestyle and rules to follow.
Paul says, “NOPE!”
Paul expresses being patient with your fellow believers. He also implores the Church of Galatia to take a step back before responding, be slow to anger, and not retaliate to boost one’s ego. Yes, believers will disagree but that does not need to rise to the level of conflict that destroys and demeans other believers.
Scripture References
Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?-Romans 2:2-4
What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?-Romans 9:22-24
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.-Colossians 3:12-13
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I [Paul] am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.-1 Timothy 1:15-17
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.-2 Timothy 4:2
The true practice of patience is produced by the Lord. The Lord is patient with us when we sin. He allows us to go as far as we want in our sin, yet still opens his arms to us when we come running back in repentance. The Lord is not petty. He could literally smite us but chooses not to. He could write us off for sinning but He does not. He loves us. God will still speak to our hearts when we are at the end of ourselves. He is the God of a second, third, fifth, one-millionth chance.
Patience is an active fruit, not a passive practice. It does not mean tolerance of a toxic situation, but also does not mean reacting to everything. Patience requires pausing and/or delaying an immediate response. It requires regulating your spiritual mind, body, and spirit to be grounded in the Holy Spirit’s way. It is self-restraining and not being quick to act.
In an age where it is easy to fight in the comments, God is saying, “Patience, my child. You don’t need to respond. I got this.”
Blissfully,
Bianca
https://biblehub.com/greek/3115.htm
https://biblehub.com/greek/3115.htm