Patience is defined as having the capacity to accept misfortune, trouble or pain without complaining or becoming angry or upset.  When we’re clothed with patience, we can absorb life’s irritations and annoyances. We can absorb them the way a good thick towel absorbs splatters and spills.  Patience also involves the ability to endure and persevere because a patient individual has a confidence fueled by hope and not desperation.  The Bible lists patience as one of the fruits of the Spirit and associates it with love and hope.  Believers must conduct their lives in the same way Jesus Christ would if He were in their position. We are to practice His way of life because it is eternal life. It will help prepare us for His Kingdom, and it enables us to glorify God here and now. Patience is a vital part of the process that enables God to produce in us aspects of His image so that we “may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” God is the source of patience and His Spirit is the means of possessing this very valuable virtue.

Patience is required in our relationships with other people including our family and friends.  As you know, people can irritate, annoy, and exasperate us but God wants us to be slow to anger.  Jesus showed us how to have compassion with one another.  Jesus showed us how to love and forgive each other as well as to bear with each other.   Unfortunately, we live in a society that all too often doesn’t know how to patiently wait. Our generation has become the “I want it now” generation. We’ve become so accustomed to immediate self-gratification that we have lost our appreciation for the gift of patience, but patience has its own rewards.  Patience wins the approval of God.  Patience makes us a good example for others.  Patience perfects our character.  Patience provides health for our soul , gives us hope and enables us to inherit God’s promises.

Patience is an essential aspect toward maturity and growth as a Christian, yet it is not a fun thing to obtain. Patience will allow us to endure and go on, even when we do not feel like it. It will see the hope that is ahead, when the clouds of our lives and experiences block its view from our sight. Patience will allow us to cling to Christ no matter what happens. Patience is hanging on to what is good.  If you lack this fruit of the Spirit, go to God in prayer and ask Him to allow this gift to grow within you.  It won’t be easy, but the end result will serve you well in every aspect of your life and God will be glorified.