PATIENCE

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By Havilah Emma-Ogboji

 Galatians 5:22 AMP

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

When we hear the phrase ‘fruit of the Spirit’, what comes to mind? 

I believe for some, it is the memories of songs from our Sunday School classes which we learnt as kids, or you may ask yourself: is there any fruit manifesting in my life? 

This verse in the Amplified version goes a step further to make us understand what the "fruit of the Spirit" is: the result of His presence within us. This leads me to the question; is the Holy Spirit in you? I believe our answer is "Yes", but how patient are you in waiting and receiving from the Spirit? 

Waiting for God is at the heart of living by faith. It is this hope in the trustworthy promises of God that is the ground of the Christian's virtue of patience. The patience of Job was merely an outward display of the faith of Job, the hope of Job, and the love of Job. We have to understand that though we live in a world that is consumed by instant gratification, there is grace to live according to principles set down by the scriptures.

When the Bible speaks of patience, particularly as one of the fruits of the Spirit, and as one of the characteristics of love, it speaks of it as a virtue that goes far beyond the mere ability to await some future gain. It involves more than the rest or peace of the soul that trusts in God’s perfect timing.

The patience that is in view here focuses more on interpersonal relationships with other people. It is the patience of longsuffering and of forbearing in the midst of personal injury. If we look at the triad of virtues underscored in the New Testament-faith, hope, and love- we see that each one of these virtues contains within it the necessary ingredient of patience. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13 that love suffers long. This longsuffering, forbearing patience is to be the Christian’s reflection of the character of God.

Once again let me remind you that though not an easy streak, it is the life we have been called to as followers and lovers of Christ. An enduring patience is one of the most difficult exercises we can achieve. It is subjected to trial everyday. Such trials can eat away at our love, our hope, and our faith. This erosion can leave us broken and embittered. In this regard, we must tie ourselves to the mast and look to the manifold witnesses that Scripture provides of the people of God who endured such and came out with evident fruit of Patience.


QUESTION

Some people have lost opportunities because they were too patient. How can a believer know when to be patient and when to take action as regards dealing with real-life situations?

(Not more than 100 words) Avoid plagiarism!

Send answers to this Whatsapp number 07031096273

Deadline for submission: Wednesday, 14th February 2024, on or before 5pm





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