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

Galatians 5: 22-23

Patience is a challenging word for most of us and, in the passage above, the Greek word translated as patience refers to the idea of long forbearance, an enduring aspect of love.

As a pharmaceutical representative, I spend a lot of time in waiting rooms. Sometimes people will comment on my “patience” as I wait to see a physician for a few minutes. It’s part of the job and is not a good indicator of patience in my life (ask my kids).

I wrote about this some time ago, but I witnessed a parent who was the epitome of patience and it was rooted in her love of a son who is unable or unwilling to confront his very apparent mental illness. As I listened, I learned that on at least four occasions in the past couple of years, he has been hospitalized and still she pleaded with the doctor and staff on behalf of her son. From what I observed, she had every right to lose her temper regarding her son because he refused to even talk to the doctor. He refused to take medication. He simply wanted to leave. Now.

It is likely that the son did not perceive his mother’s intervention as loving, but I can say that it was one of the saddest moments I’ve witnessed. I don’t know anything else about her, but I was impressed by the love and patience of this particular woman for her very lost son.

God has that same kind of patience for us. The Old Testament refers to him as ““The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). Peter wrote that “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance”(2 Peter 3:9).

The character of God reflects His patience. Likewise, we should reflect the same toward others, right?

As I contrasted this woman’s actions to my own life, I’ve considered the times when I have been less patient and even less kind to the people I love most in this world. I like to think I have become more loving…more patient and kinder, with much less of a short fuse – most of the time.