Patience

The Greek word that is translated patience in Galatians 5:22 is a combination of two words “long” and “temper,” literally meaning “long-tempered” or “long-angered.” Many Bible translations in wanting to be more literal translate it as “long-suffering.” The sense is “to be slow to anger.” Think of a long fuse. When someone lights a fire cracker and the fuse begins to sizzle, they dart away for cover expecting a small explosion immediately. Patience is like lighting the fuse, slowly walking a few steps, then stopping and then turning to look and then waiting as the crackle moves down the fuse and then sitting down and waiting and then falling asleep without a care in the world. That is a graphic picture of what the Bible means to have patience.

Patience is someone who has a long fuse who can wait it out and suffer. Someone who can bottle up their frustration and anger while time goes by until what they are waiting for happens. Patience is self-restraint in the face of provocation. Other Greek words speak of patience as endurance and steadfastness (Romans 15:4; James 5:10). It is holding out after wise consideration. It is the opposite of being rash and impetus. It does not jump at something that passes its way. It is not in a hurry nor it is anxious. It does not get frustrated easily nor does it complain. It waits expectantly but does not panic.

You can study all throughout the New Testament and again and again you will find exhortations to be patient Ephesians 4:1-2: 1 Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love. Colossians 3:12: So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 1 Thessalonians 5:14: Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. Hebrews 6:12: Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

A big problem for many is that they know they need more patience and they don’t like the way they act but nothing ever changes. They know something needs to be done but they just can’t bring themselves to do it. This is where the power of the Holy Spirit comes in because one of the fruits of the Spirit is patience. Patience must be a regular part of a Christians life (2 Timothy 3:10).

Jesus told a story to Peter about having patience with those who wronged him. Peter had a problem with flying off the handle. He was a rash man and he acted impatient many times in his life. He was struggling with forgiving people who wronged him more than one time. So he came to Jesus and asked Him how many times should he forgive someone when they wrong him? Jesus gave His famous answer 70×7 times; in other words innumerable times. It takes a lot of patience to forgive like that but that is what we are called to do. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5).