Study #47: LAMED
LAMED: THE GOAD OF DISCIPLESHIP: ( PART 7)
THE 5 BLESSINGS OF THE ONE NEW MAN IN CHRIST ( PART 7 )
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: PATIENCE ( LONG-SUFFERING )
To the fast-paced, instant programming, mouse-clicking generation of young millenials (under 30’s), Patience may be perceived as an old-fashioned and outdated virtue. But if we understand it properly, it becomes an essential quality we should possess towards God, others, circumstances and even ourselves.
The Hebrew word for Patience is SAVLANUT from the root word LASAVEL (to suffer). James understood this when he encourages us to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces PATIENCE. But let PATIENCE have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing ” (James 1:2-4).
The Greek definition used in Galatians 5:22 is MAKROTHUMIA – a compound word formed by MAKROS (Long) and THUMOS
(Temper). Literally it means ” long temper” i.e. “the ability to hold one’s temper for a long time “. The KJV translates it as “long- suffering “.
To be sure, bearing fruit is an outward evidence of an inward reality. Paul teaches this by saying those who yield to the leading of the Spirit will have the fruit of the Spirit evident in their lives.
Thus a Patient Person is:
- Slow to anger as he or she waits for God to vindicate him or her in God’s perfect timing instead of taking things in his or her own hands with thoughts of revenge or self-righteousness.
- Put up with other people and circumstances even when severely tried.
- Able to endure much pain and suffering without complaining.
Our best example is God’s longsuffering as He calls His people to be patient as we extend the offer of salvation in Christ to others (2 Timothy 4:20) and wait like Him for the lost to come to Him (2 Peter 3:9).
Abba Father, Your goal for all Your children is for us to be like Jesus ( Romans 8:29 ). Thus the Holy Spirit constantly works to rid our lives of the “acts of the sinful nature ” ( Galatians 5:19 ) and display His fruit instead. Indeed Patience is the fruit of true spiritual maturity in Christ – a goal that is worthy of emulation.
