Patience in a Time of Restlessness
For Meditation
“I just can’t take it anymore!” Have you said those words at any point in the last year? Or heard someone else say them? I think I said them about 5 times just in the last week! At the root of the sentiment behind these words is the erosion of patience. We are saying: I no longer have the ability to endure or carry the burden of these circumstances. It would be surprising if any of us have not felt that way in this past season.
The word Paul uses for patience in Galatians 5:22 is the Greek word macrothumia. Literally it means large (macro) tempered (thumia). In contrast to being “quick-tempered,” not able to put up with much for very long, macrothumia means large or long tempered, as in being able to endure for a long time without getting angry or retaliating.
The greatest example of macrothumia in Scripture is God himself. Again and again we hear that God is “slow to anger, and abounding in love” (eg Psalm 103:8). God does not lash out against his world or his people, but puts up with enormous rebellion and brokenness for a very long time. He is patient because he loves- he wants to see the whole world restored to wholeness. "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” (2 Peter 3:9).
Given that patience is such a central part of God’s character, it’s not surprising that Paul lists it here as the fourth fruit of the Spirit, and in his famous chapter on love he lists it as the very first characteristic of love (“Love is patient…” 1 Cor 13:4). For us, patience means at least two things. First, the ability to endure for a long time whatever opposition and suffering may come our way, and to keep going without retaliation or revenge. That’s called long-suffering. Second, patience is the ability to put up with the weaknesses and foibles of others, without getting quickly irritated or angry. That’s called forbearance. Both of these qualities are central to what it means to bear the fruit of patience.
But this is not easy or natural. These qualities only come supernaturally from our connection to Jesus and his Spirit. Only as we are connected to the one who bears our sin and weakness can we become those who bear sin and weakness on behalf of others.
For preparation for worship this week, reflect on Psalm 103 and all it says about God’s patience.
Galatians 5:22–23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.
James 5:7-11
7 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. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 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.