But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
Patience is characterized by the ability to tolerate hardships and delays. Sometimes it is exhibited by refraining from moving forward until the proper time. Sometimes it is evident inwardly by remaining at peace while awaiting things that are beyond our control.
The Bible instructs us to be patient, meaning we must actively participate in it. The Hebrew word for patience is savlanut and its root suggests to bear or to suffer. It is clear that patience is neither easy nor without a cost of its own. But the Holy Spirit works in us to develop our patience. It is part of the fruit we exhibit when we live in Him.
I feel that at the root of patience is the willingness to not impose my own timeline. It is a laying down of self, my own desires and plans, and acknowledging God’s sovereignty and embracing His timing.
Patience allows me to trust God when faced with a hardship instead of demanding He fix it right now. Or maybe it’s that very trust exhibiting itself as patience because I have handed over my timeline. Patience and peace, like all the Spirit’s fruit, seem intertwined.
Life is busy and I often find myself in a hurry. Cultivating patience is a worthy discipline and I am glad for His help in nurturing in me what is impossible on my own.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
