But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25 ESV).
The fourth “fruit of the Spirit” that the apostle Paul lists is “patience.” There are many other references in the Scripture to the necessity of this trait in the believer’s life. And, Jesus’ example during His three years of ministry underscores the same truth. The brother of Jesus, James, had a great deal to say about it as well:
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord mis at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. (James 5:7-9 ESV).
It is a virtue that goes beyond the ability to await some future gain and involves more than the rest or peace of the soul that trusts in God’s perfect timing. Patience is a vital part of the process that enables God to work over a long span of time, if needed, to produce in us other important aspects of His image so that we “may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” We cannot be patient on our own if we just try harder, but the Spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans. We cannot be patient on our own if we just try harder.
The question then becomes, how do we be patient. The first answer is to trust in the work of Christ in our lives. Regardless of the circumstances and trials, that trust leads us to believe that the end of it all is our good (cf. Romans 8:28). However, I’ve found that a conviction that this world is indeed fallen and it is not our home also builds patience in us. As believers we know we are merely pilgrims passing through this world to a perfect, eternal home God is preparing for each of us. The Holy Spirit gives us this gift and His work in our lives perfects it through ever experience, good or bad. Trust Him!