But the fruit of the Spirit is … patience …
Summary: We take another look at the English translations for “makrothymía” because there are subtle differences that reveal insights into the nature of God’s presence in us.
In our last meditation, “If God Were a Banker,” we looked at the word “forbearance.” Many translations use the word “patience,” instead. Because there are differences between the two words, and because this passage is so important, I thought it best we exercise patience and explore this second word. But first, the Greek word “makrothymía,” which translates as “patience” or “forbearance,” marks a change in this passage that bears closer examination.
The first three “fruits” of the Spirit are love (agapé), joy, and peace. All three of these words address the impact of God’s Spirit on our spirits. They are mentioned not because they impact our behavior directly but because they affect how we experience life.
A human without God’s Spirit in them is prone to hate, bitterness, and worry. A person whose soul is filled with such things finds themselves trying to extract justice from the world around them. There is no time for kindness because no one has been kind to them. They have no goodness to offer others because there is no good in them. They are faithless, rough, and impulsive because no one has ever shown them faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
When we hear what God has done for us in the person of Jesus Christ, we understand that God cares for us with our minds. When God’s Spirit enters in, we “feel” the presence of God. We feel his love for us, which fills us with joy and peace. The change we feel is real. Like light in the darkness, like warmth to someone cold, as a drink of water is to the thirsty, God’s Spirit is to the soul.
Just as putting a match to a lantern causes light to shine through the glass, the Spirit of God lights up our soul. When this happens, people can “see” the change in us. The first three “fruits” describe this light. The next six describe how the Spirit changes what we do.
Without God, the “self” demands immediate gratification. With God, the “self” is no longer in charge. When God’s love pours into us, joy and peace fill our souls. There is no longer any room for impatience. Our perspective changes, and instead of demanding gratification “now,” we see things from God’s eternal perspective. What the world calls “patience,” the believer filled with God’s Spirit calls “waiting on God.”
As we continue with Paul’s list of the “fruit of the Spirit,” keep in mind how this works. There is a “cause and effect” in play. We don’t force ourselves to be all the things that God wants us to be. God himself changes us. If we find ourselves lacking in the fruit of the Spirit, the answer isn’t that we “fake it ‘till we make it.” The answer is that we need more of God’s Spirit. To this God says:
“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:10)
Application: “[B]e filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5: 15-20)
Food for Thought: How is patience that comes from being filled with God’s Spirit different than patience that is the result of human will?
How is patience that comes from being filled with God’s Spirit different than patience that is the result of human will?
The first thought that comes to my mind would be similarly to patience waiting on the rapture and patience waiting on parole. One is looked at an eternity of joy and the other is a short period of happiness.
But I want to read others comments.
Thanks Tim!
That is a very interesting perspective!!
I too view the fruit of Spirit, the order in which they are listed, as a progression from the inner affect of God’s Spirit, to the outer expression of His Spirit. Patience that comes from being filled with God’s Spirit is fed by the peace that God gives us, which is fed by the joy of being in His presence, which is fed by the love in our relationship with Him, and God’s love is unlimited. It requires us to be humble, honest, and to express grace in our hearts as God gives us grace. It requires us to view others, not according to what they do, but according to who they are to us, and who they are to God. It asks the question “what do we want for this person and what does God want for this person?” Patience that is the result of human will is limited. It is limited because it is based on “ignorance.” We will “ignore” what this person is doing, and pretend that it doesn’t bother us, but it really does. It becomes the appearance of peace, when peace is not present in our hearts. Then there comes a point when we cannot ignore any longer. And the façade of patience crumbles as we cause consternation in the other person by shifting ourselves to harsh tone and words. Patience that comes from being filled with God’s Spirit requires us to step back into His peace, and speak from peace, in humility, honesty and love. Calling on the joy of His presence, and the love He expresses to us. Patience that is the result of human will tends to set all that aside and just “weather the storm.”
Proverbs 19:11: “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense”
Ecclesiastes 7:13: “Patience is better than pride”
Proverbs 14:29: “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly”
Chris,
Nicely said!
I like how you illustrate the progression of God’s love through each “fruit of the Spirit.” Since God’s love is unlimited, so is the power of each expression of God’s Spirit.
Your illustration of human patience is equally good. We can try and mask our feelings, but the root cause is still there. Without God’s power of love, we fall victim to our own emotions.
How is patience that comes from being filled with God’s Spirit different than patience that is the result of human will?
Human patience varies with the mood and nature of the individual or even the time of day.
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit which we begin experiencing, exercising in our Christian lives during our lifelong process of growth throughout our time of confinement in these bodies. James 1:4, Romans 8:25
Patience requires trust as we wait, reflecting on, embracing and trusting in our all powerful Lord’s timing in all the daily events in our lives. Psalm 37:7, 46:10
Patience builds our strength, as we actively seek spiritual growth and endure the many trials of life in this world. James 1:2-3
Patience is required in our power to help others, Ephesians 4:2
Patience is a reflection of our faith as it is seen by others. James 5:7
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
Ron
The connection between human patience and “mood” is spot on. Thank you!!
The passages you list are spot on too! 🙂