“But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness.” Gal 5:22
Whenever you hear the word ‘patience’, the picture that probably comes to mind is the ability to keep your cool under extreme provocation. You are not that far off the mark if that is what you believe it is, for patience means to have an even temper or forbearance. However, this limited definition is only scratching the surface. It is like the iceberg – ninety percent of its mass is submerged under water. So, let us see this definition as the starting point as we trust God to lead us into a deeper understanding of what patience really means.
Apostle Paul defined patience as a segment of the fruit of the spirit – very much like the segment of an orange fruit. This means that just as you can never find a solitary orange segment in nature, so also can you not have patience alone without the other segments of the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and the rest come as part of one giant package. This is the reason why Paul could later say that love is patient and kind. 1 Cor 13:4 This means that patience is not just a feeling, but is also an action. It is the character of God which the Holy Spirit skilfully works into our spiritual fabric and which enables us to gradually become like He is.
This means that if you were a hothead before you became a Christian, as you submit to the dictates of Gods word as well as the leading of the Holy Spirit, you create an environment conducive for the Holy Spirit to work within and start moulding you into the image of His Son Jesus Christ. While this does not necessarily mean that you will never get angry again, (you certainly will) it simply means that you gain the ability to gradually bring your temper under control by the power of the Holy Spirit who is now resident in you and is moderating your response to whatever negative stimulus that would normally spark off your anger. For example, He will remind you by His word that human anger does not work the righteousness of God – Jam 1:20, or that a gentle answer turns away wrath – Prov 15:1. Consequently, your anger will be reserved for only what is just and righteous. Your sanctified passion now has a godly purpose as opposed to the destructive end that Satan used to channel your anger in the past.
Just as a tree is known by its fruit, a genuine Christian is characterised by the fruit of patience. However, this is not something that is imposed on, but which comes from within the individual. It originates from deep within our spirit and is expressed in our character and lifestyle. Hence, we can’t just talk the talk, but must also walk the talk. Our behaviour must match our profession. We can achieve this end not by striving, but by relaxing in God and allowing Him to express Himself through us. So, why not give the Holy Spirit a chance today and see what He can accomplish in your life? Anger management and other therapies are fine, but the Holy Spirit will do a perfect job within and turn you into a totally different person – the image of Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Lord, quell the rage in my heart and cause your Spirit to impart the fruit of patience in my life as He works in me and daily makes me more like you in Jesus Name. Amen.