Fruits of the Spirit in Everyday LifeSample

PATIENCE as Bearing With One Another in Love

I'm reading from 2 Peter 3:8-9

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

In Ephesians chapter 4 verses 1-2 it says:

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

James chapter 5 verses 7-11:

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Reflection on the passage:
Have you, like me, found that at some point on a family vacation along with the fun, you’re bound to have your patience tested and likely to find yourself running short on this fruit of the Spirit. Perhaps it’s the kids arguing in the back seat, disagreement over what to do next, or irritation over each other’s idiosyncrasies and “need for growth” areas that surface with more intensity in close quarters. Rather than beat ourselves up over losing our patience, we can see these “reality check” moments as an opportunity to humbly lean into the One who can fill our well and grow the fruit of patience within us.

In these passages, Peter, Paul, and James each use the Greek word makrothymia, which is usually translated as “patience” or “forbearance.” This word carries the idea of hanging in there and putting up with others out of love, even when it’s difficult.

In 2 Peter chapter 3:8-9, Peter reminds us of God’s patience with us and calls us to wait patiently on God. In fact, Peter suggests that the reason we must wait longer for Christ’s second coming is because He wants to allow for as many people as possible to come to repentance and saving faith. Next time I’m finding myself short on patience, I want to remember this steady, patient love of Christ for humanity, and not only be inspired by it, but tap into it! Through His Spirit living in us, this patience is available to us if we would but allow His love to flow through us to others.

In Ephesians chapter 4 verses 1-2, Paul exhorts the church to bear with one another in love. He lists the qualities of humility, gentleness, and patience as what will equip us to do this. As we think about relationships that we might find challenging in our churches, at work, or in our families, I’m sure we can picture various ways in which the fruits of humility, gentleness, and patience would help us to hang in there in loving others.

In James chapter 5 verses 7-11, James uses three examples to exhort us to patience with one another and patience in suffering: a farmer waiting for the land to yield a crop, the prophets patiently suffering when they faced resistance to God’s words, and Job persevering in suffering. James also warns that if we grumble against one another, we will be judged. Judging others often goes along with our impatience. Instead, we need to leave the judging to the Judge who is “full of mercy and compassion.” Another obstacle to patience can be the idea that we shouldn’t have to suffer – that we deserve things to go our way. Remembering the prophets and Job may be helpful in shifting this perspective of entitlement.

So the next time that we find ourselves in a trying situation whether at work, church, or with family on vacation, may we pause to ask God for help, to shift our perspective and to fill us with His own patient and compassionate love, so that we can patiently bear with one another in love.

Focus verse for prayerful reflection:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. That's what it says in 2 Peter 3 verse 9.

1. When have you felt impatient with God, like He was slow in keeping His promises to you? How might this verse from 2 Peter speak to you in that place?
2. Whom are you struggling to have patience with these days? Take a moment to pray for this person, picturing Jesus with him or her. What does Jesus’ patience toward this person look like? What is Jesus willing to wait for in this person?