Patience is…

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,patience, …
(Galatians 5:22-25)

So what is this patience thing we hear about, and how is it a fruit of the Spirit?

We usually associate patience with being patient with others, and I think that is part of it.  But it is more than just putting up with your neighbours.

Patience can also mean perseverance.  Patiently waiting and hoping.  Christianity is a long walk, not a quick fix.  Growing fruit in our lives is a day by day process that will take our entire lives.

We need to have patience with this.  We need to wake up each day and say “I am not there yet, but I am getting there.  I will do what needs to be done today.”

Patience is about active faith.  Having faith that things will work out, having faith that God is in control, having faith that we are on the right path, and moving towards the right goal.

All this is patience.

Because faith grows fruit, but it takes time.