“The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is patience?”……There are two Greek words translated as “patience” in the New Testament.

Hupomon─ômeans“a remaining under,” as when one bears up under a burden.

It refers to steadfastness in difficult circumstances.

Makrothumia, which is used inGalatians 5:22, is a compound formed bymakros("long") andthumos("passion" or "temper").

"Patience" inGalatians 5:22literally means "long temper," in the sense of "the ability to hold one's temper for a long time."

The KJV translates it "longsuffering."

A patient person is able to endure much pain and suffering without complaining. A patient person is slow to anger as he waits for God to provide comfort and punish wrongdoing.

Since it is afruit of the Spirit, we can only possessmakrothumiathrough the power and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.…I have often heard it said that you should never pray for patience because when you do, the Lord is sure to give you something to try your patience. Patience is a word and a concept that is used a lot in the Bible.

An Old English word for patience is "longsuffering".

Some other synonyms for patience or patient are:

tolerance, forbearance and resignation.…Patience comes from a position of power.

A person may have the ability to take revenge or cause trouble, but patience brings self-restraint and careful thinking.

Losing patience is a sign of weakness.

We are patient through trying situations out of hope for a coming deliverance;

we are patient with a trying person out of compassion.

We choose to love that person and want what’s best for him.……As the Spirit produces patience in us, He is making us more Christlike.

We read in Scripture of the "patience of Christ"

2 Thessalonians 3:5…5 May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

Christ is even now patiently awaiting the completion of the Father's plan:

Hebrews 10:12-13

12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet.

We should be patient, even as He is patient.…God is patient with sinners.God’s patience leads to our repentance.

Romans 2:4

4 Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

Romans 9:22

22 In the same way, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction.

Only God’s patience prevents Him from destroying "the objects of his wrath." Paul glorifies the Lord for His "unlimited patience" …1 Timothy 1:16…16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

Peter highlights the God's immense patiencewith the evil people of Noah’s daythet we read about in Genesis 6

1 Peter 3:20

20 those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.

Peter point out that, delaying judgment as long as possible

Today, "our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved"

2 Peter 3:15

15 And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him-

James urges believers to be patient and not to complain as we wait for Jesus to return.

James holds up the prophets as models of patience

James 5:7-11

7 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. 8 You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

9 Don't grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look-the Judge is standing at the door!

10 For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.

While God delayed judgment, Noah prophesied of the coming destruction, and in 120 years did not have a single convert (2 Peter 2:5).…2 Peter 2:5

5 And God did not spare the ancient world-except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God's righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when he destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood.…

The Bible is a great resource and reminder of the many that have gone before us with patience and endurance. Here are five Bible stories about patience that feature some great men of faith.

And let us not be weary in well doing:…for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.…(Galatians 6:9)

Abraham – The Father of Many Nations

God promised to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. But when the promise was first given (Genesis 12:1-3) Abraham and his wife Sarah did not have any children. God continued to restate His promise to Abraham through the years (Genesis 13:6; 15:1-6; 17:6-8; 18:10).

Abraham, though known as a man of faith, took his wife's suggestion and had a child with Sarah's handmaid. The son's name was Ishmael. But this was not the son God intended for Abraham. (Genesis 16)

Finally when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90 years old God gave them their son Isaac. Though it took years of patiently waiting, they received the promise of God. Hebrews 6:15 says of Abraham, "And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise."

Joseph – From Pit to Prison to Palace – A Picture of Patience

Joseph's brothers sold him as a slave (Genesis 37:27, 28). Though he did not understand all that was happening, he trusted God to work out His plan in His time. Joseph patiently worked faithfully in each situation he was in. He waited for God to fulfill His promise that Joseph would be a leader of his people (Genesis 37:5-11). He had to be patient as he believed God, but probably wondered why he was sitting in a prison cell.

From pit to prison to palace

God did lift Joseph up to great power and responsibility. Not only was he a leader of his people, but he ruled over the people of Egypt too. Patience was needed to allow God to accomplish His purposes in the life of Joseph and his family.

Job – The Man of Patience

Probably the best known story of patience in the Bible is the life of Job. To prove Job's faithfulness to the Lord, God allowed the devil to destroy everything Job owned (Job 1). Job was a wealthy man. He lost his crops, property, cattle and servants. But most devastating of all was when Job lost his children. However, Job did not blame God. He accepted that God had a plan and would be patient for God to reveal His plan.

Job's friends came to council him. They tried to find out what great sin Job had committed to deserve the punishment he received. Job would not admit to any sin. Job knew that sometimes bad things happen to good people.

Often people will talk about the patience of Job. He knew God had a plan and was willing to accept what God allowed in his life. In the end God restored to Job twice as much as he had in the beginning (Job 42:10).

Simeon – Eagerly Awaited the Messiah

Luke 2 tells the story of the birth of Christ. The angels announced his birth to the shepherds who then went to see Jesus in the manger. Later, in the same chapter, Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the temple to give an offering to God for the birth of their child.

The Holy Ghost had revealed to a man named Simeon that he would not see death until he had seen the birth of the Messiah. The Bible does not indicate how long Simeon waited for the birth of Christ, but the fact that it says he would not die until he saw the Saviour indicates that he waited some time.

After Jesus arrived in the temple Simeon was led by the Spirit to visit Him there. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and thanked God that the promised child had arrived. Joseph and Mary were surprised by Simeon's actions. Simeon knew that he could depart in peace.…

Jesus – An Example of Patience

Hebrews 12 says of Jesus' death on the cross that it was something He "endured." While His crucifixion was for our salvation, the Bible says His death is also an example for our lives. When we are worn down during our daily tasks we are reminded :Hebrews 12:2, 3, "2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne……3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people[a] then you won't become weary and give up

Before Jesus arrived at the cross He patiently trained the disciples.

Even after His miracles and proclamations of being the Son of God, the disciples were often confused as to who Jesus was. Today we think of the disciples as being mature men of faith. But as we read through the gospel accounts, Jesus was still trying to teach them how to persevere in prayer up until the moment He was taken in the garden to be crucified.…

Patience for Us Too

Whatever the task is that God has called us to, we need to continue doing the work even if we don't see the progress we would like to see. Even Jesus was teaching His disciples until the moment of His death. Jesus is an example of patience for us.

…God is patient, and His Spirit produces the fruit of patience in us. When we are patient, we leave room for God to work in our hearts and in our relationships.

We lay down our schedule and trust in God's.

We thank the Lord for what and whom He's brought into our lives.

We let God be God.…

…Bible Verses About Patience: 20 Scripture Quotes

God is Patient

Numbers 14:18 18 ÔÇÿThe Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected-even children in the third and fourth generations.

Psalm 86:15

15 But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy,…slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Nahum 1:3

3 The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished.…He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm.…he billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet.

Romans 2:3-4

3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God's judgment when you do the same things? 4 Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

2 Peter 3:9

9 The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

Limits of Patience

Genesis 6:3

3 Then the Lord said, "My Spirit will not put up with[a] humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years."

Jeremiah 44:22

22 It was because the Lord could no longer bear all the disgusting things you were doing that he made your land an object of cursing-a desolate ruin without inhabitants-as it is today.

Matthew 25:41

41 "Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ÔÇÿAway with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. (Jesus speaking)

Evidence of the Holy Spirit

2 Corinthians 12:12

12 When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Ephesians 4:1-3

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Colossians 1:11-12

11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,[a] 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

Colossians 3:12-13

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Waiting with Patience

Luke 8:15

15 And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God's word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

bear fruit with patience." (Jesus speaking in the parable of the sower)

Romans 2:6-7

6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done. 7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers

Romans 8:24-25

24 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope[a] for it.25 But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

If we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

1 Timothy 1:16

16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

Hebrews 6:11-12

11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. 12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith,endurance and patience.

Christian Quotes About Patience

"The times we find ourselves having to wait on others may be the perfect opportunities to train ourselves to wait on the Lord." ~ Joni Eareckson Tada

"If I have not the patience of my Saviour with the souls who grow slowly; if I know little of travail (a sharp and painful thing) till Christ be fully formed in them, then I know nothing of Calvary love." ~ Amy Carmichael

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them- every day begin the task anew." ~ Francis de Sales

"Cast not away your confidence because God defers his performances. That which does not come in your time, will be hastened in his time, which is always the more convenient season. God will work when he pleases, how he pleases, and by what means he pleases. He is not bound to keep our time, but he will perform his word, honour our faith, and reward them that diligently seek him." ~ Matthew Henry

"Timing is so important! If you are going to be successful in dance, you must be able to respond to rhythm and timing.

It's the same in the Spirit.

People who don't understand God's timing can become spiritually spastic, trying to make the right things happen at the wrong time. They don't get His rhythm – and everyone can tell they are out of step.

They birth things prematurely, threatening the very lives of their God-given dreams."

…The opposite of patience is agitation, discouragement, and a desire for revenge.

God does not want His children to live in agitation but in peace

John 14:27

27 "I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.

He wants to dispel discouragement and replace it with hope and praise

Psalm 42:5

5 Why am I discouraged? …Why is my heart so sad?…I will put my hope in God!…I will praise him again-my Savior and

We are not to avenge ourselves; rather, we are to love others

Romans 12:19…19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,"I will take revenge;… I will pay them back," says the Lord.

Leviticus 19:18

18 "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am theLord.……The Old Testament prophets ceaselessly spoke God’s Word to unheeding and abusive audiences. Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern

Jeremiah 38:1-16

Now Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jehucal[a] son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malkijah heard what Jeremiah had been telling the people. He had been saying, 2 "This is what the Lord says: ÔÇÿEveryone who stays in Jerusalem will die from war, famine, or disease, but those who surrender to the Babylonians[] will live. Their reward will be life. They will live!' 3 The Lord also says: ÔÇÿThe city of Jerusalem will certainly be handed over to the army of the king of Babylon, who will capture it.'"

4 So these officials went to the king and said, "Sir, this man must die! That kind of talk will undermine the morale of the few fighting men we have left, as well as that of all the people. This man is a traitor!"

5 King Zedekiah agreed. "All right," he said. "Do as you like. I can't stop you."

6 So the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard. It belonged to Malkijah, a member of the royal family. There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah sank down into it.

7 But Ebed-melech the Ethiopian,[c] an important court official, heard that Jeremiah was in the cistern. At that time the king was holding court at the Benjamin Gate, 8 so Ebed-melech rushed from the palace to speak with him. 9 "My lord the king," he said, "these men have done a very evil thing in putting Jeremiah the prophet into the cistern. He will soon die of hunger, for almost all the bread in the city is gone."

10 So the king told Ebed-melech, "Take thirty of my men with you, and pull Jeremiah out of the cistern before he dies."

11 So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to a room in the palace beneath the treasury, where he found some old rags and discarded clothing. He carried these to the cistern and lowered them to Jeremiah on a rope.12 Ebed-melech called down to Jeremiah, "Put these rags under your armpits to protect you from the ropes." Then when Jeremiah was ready, 13 they pulled him out. So Jeremiah was returned to the courtyard of the guard-the palace prison-where he remained.

Zedekiah Questions Jeremiah

14 One day King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and had him brought to the third entrance of the Lord's Temple. "I want to ask you something," the king said. "And don't try to hide the truth."

15 Jeremiah said, "If I tell you the truth, you will kill me. And if I give you advice, you won't listen to me anyway."

16 So King Zedekiah secretly promised him, "As surely as the Lord our Creator lives, I will not kill you or hand you over to the men who want you dead."

Elijah was so worn out from his fight with Jezebel that he wanted to die

1Kings 19:1-8

19 When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. 2 So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: "May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them."

3 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. 4 Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died."

5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, "Get up and eat!" 6 He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.

7 Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, "Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you."

8 So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai,[a] the mountain of God.

Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den-by a king who was his friend

Daniel 6:16-28

16 So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, "May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you."

17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn't sleep at all that night.

19 Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions' den. 20 When he got there, he called out in anguish, "Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?"

21 Daniel answered, "Long live the king! 22 My God sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty."

23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.

24 Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions' den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den.

25 Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world:

"Peace and prosperity to you!

26 "I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel.

For he is the living God, and he will endure forever.…His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end.…27 He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth.…He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions."…28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

…