A Forgotten Fruit of the Spirit

“Patience” Galatians 5:22

Contrary to popular belief, the nine graces listed in Galatians 5:22-23 are not the fruits of the Spirit, but the fruit of the Spirit. In combination, they form the most exotic fruit, imported from that far-off country of heaven. So technically, patience is not a forgotten fruit, but a forgotten aspect of the fruit. But you get the idea.

Patience is almost a sin in today’s fast-paced world. Everything must be done instantly. Careers must be launched. Families must be snapped into shape. Churches must be reformed in sweeping moves. If we’re not careful, we may become so unfamiliar with patience that we begin to confuse the heavenly grace with sinful inaction! What might today’s trendy church planter say to Abraham Tentdweller’s pitiful five year plan?

But patience is mighty. It empowers sinners like us to stay content and confident while we wait for God to fulfill his promises. A respectable Greek lexicon defines this choice grace as follows: “[The] state of remaining tranquil while awaiting an outcome” (BDAG). Now isn’t that lovely? So build your life, your family, your career, your ministry, upon the word of God, and wait with confidence, as long as it takes, for a plentiful harvest of amazing fruit.