But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
It began with a display of greens and other-colored vegetables sprinkled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Then came warm rolls topped with melted butter, roasted lamb with steaming potatoes, and a plate of grilled asparagus. The finale for our Christmas dinner was mom’s homemade apple pie. It gave off a fragrant cinnamon aroma, and the taste was deliciously sweet with a tinge of sour from the apples. Fruit pie baked to perfection!
My mom purchased the apples at a nearby grocery store, and farmers harvested those apples from trees they grew. As you already know, each tree begins with a seed which needs water, sunlight, fertilizer, and tender care. In time, the seed gives way to a sapling and the sapling a tree. Eventually, if everything is done right, the tree produces a fruitful harvest.
It’s in Us
The Bible says that believers possess the fruit of the Spirit. One of the fruits of the Spirit is patience. Patience is the ability to overlook offenses and to suffer through the imperfections of others with a smile. Patient people know how to wait for others. They answer harshness with a gentle reply. And a patient person endures during tough times.
I’ve heard many say, “Patience is something I just don’t have,” but if we have been born into God’s family, we have all nine fruits of the spirit within us. This includes patience. It may only be in seed form, or the patience within us may be maturing. There are some things we can do for the fruit of patience to develop.
How to Grow
First, we must live our Christian life as a thankful response to God’s grace. Patience does not grow within us through sheer will power. No, it is a fruit of the Spirit. We see God’s fruit mature as we choose to be patient by depending on the Holy Spirit.
Second, we can meditate on scriptures about patience, such as Proverbs 25:15 NIV which says, “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” Or how about, “Love endures long and is patient and kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4a AMPC).
Third, we can practice patience by learning to listen to others and by preferring them above ourselves. We can practice taking time with those who need the patience and kindness that comes from the Lord living in us.
It is also important to understand that patience is perfected under trial. James 1:2-4 NKJV says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” We are to draw near to the Lord with faith and joy when we face difficult circumstances. This is a sure way to develop patience and to cause us to possess sound Christian character.
Putting It into Practice
When we put these principles to practice, we will discover that patience grows within us and affects our behavior, making us more like Jesus. And like my mom’s apple pie, the fruit of patience within us will exude a sweet-smelling aroma to those who are open to knowing Jesus. People will be comforted by our patience and amazed at our calm spirit during difficulty.
So, let’s cultivate the fruit of patience within us. As we do, we will reflect our Savior in a greater way, and we will beam a brighter light to the world.
