Enduring Patience

 “For the fruit of the Spirit is . . . longsuffering. . .” (Galatians 5:22)

Longsuffering (patience) is endurance, waiting on, and trusting God in times of difficulty concerning people, circumstances, or things. As the fourth characteristic of the Spirit’s fruit, patience is more than “putting up” with people; it is about reflecting the mercy God gives to you.

When offering God’s mercy to others, there is no place for a judgmental or critical attitude. God alone is Judge. Therein enters the need for forgiveness, a must to act patiently with some people. Those people may seem undeserving of mercy, but neither did you, and I didn’t, when God forgave us (over and over). Do you want enduring patience that bears more fruit? Show compassion and pardon towards others.

When God allows people and circumstances to shake your life, you are to respond by “bearing up” without whining or complaining, trusting God in every situation. Endurance comes by the trying of our faith (James 1:3). Patience believes God sees everything, is in control of all things, and He is everywhere. You are confident God deals with the people and conditions that rock your world. As you daily yield to, obey, and trust your Creator, you will reflect Jesus’ character in your thoughts and actions, producing the Spirit’s fruit.