Patience

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV‬‬) 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.‬

PATIENCE
• As we take a closer look at the word for “Patience” used here, we find a unique word: Makrothumia.1 Here are some other instances where Paul uses it:

o CLOTHE: Paul uses a visual of what we are to put on as a believer in Colossians 3:12-13a (ESV) ‬“12Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13bearing with one another…”
o MODEL: Paul uses it as he describes a disciple in 2 Timothy 3:10-11a (ESV) “10You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11my persecutions and sufferings…”‬
o LOVE: It’s a characteristic of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV) where Paul leads off with, “4Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
• All of these have patience directly connected to time/bearing with/enduring.
• The word for patience here is best translated as long-suffering.

LIFE OF JOSEPH: GENESIS 37-50

Genesis‬ ‭50:20‬ ‭(NLT)‬‬‬‬‬‬ You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.‬‬

WHY PATIENCE MATTERS:

Genesis 50:20 (NLT‬‬) You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

• “My whole life I have been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted, until I discovered the interruptions were my work.” – Henri Nouwen, In the Name of Jesus

‭2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV‬‬) 8…With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9The 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.‬

Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬‬‬) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.‬‬

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT AND DISCUSS:
Passages to consider: Galatians 5:16-26; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Icebreaker: What is the hardest thing to wait for? Or, What is something worth the wait?

1. Share something from this week’s sermon that was meaningful to you. A) Is there something from last week’s sermon (peace) and discussion that you are still mulling over?
2. Read Colossians 3:12-13 and James 5:7-11. What do those passages show about the fruit of patience?
3. Who has been an example of patience and forbearance to you?
4. What is hard about patience? A) How do you recognize the lack of patience in your life?
5. Galatians 5:16-18 says to walk by the Spirit. What are you discovering about walking with the Spirit? A) How does what you are discovering about walking in the Spirit help you in the area of patience?
6. What situation or relationship would you like to display more patience in? How can you intentionally nurture patience in your attitude and approach?