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

Patience is a challenging word for most of us and, in the passage above, the Greek word translated as patience refers to the idea of long forbearance, an enduring aspect of love.

Sometimes being patient with those in our inner circle of friends and family reveals our weaknesses regarding patience. How often have I been less than patient and more than annoyed by someone else? That’s not just a rhetorical question for me.

At a dinner last week, Patrina and I listened as one of our friends described the challenges she faces with a family member who stretches our friend’s patience. While she may not always feel patient, her response appears to be everything associated with the “idea of long forbearance.”

God patience for us surpasses that of our friend. The Old Testament refers to him as ““The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). Peter wrote that “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance”(2 Peter 3:9).

The character of God reflects His patience. Likewise, we should reflect the same toward others, right? Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to help us grow in this area that has such an impact on the people around us, especially those closest to us.