Patience is the capacity, habit or fact of being patient.
Are you familiar with the saying, “Patience is a virtue, acquire it if you can, seldom in a woman but never in a man”?
I can’t tell you the number of times that has been quoted to me.
It helps me to remember that one of the primary individuals we associate with patience is a man. His name was Job. So “never in a man,” is simply not true.
Patient—bearing pains or trial calmly or without complaint; manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain; not hasty or impetuous; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity; able or willing to bear.
After a few days in the hospital, I wonder if the staff calls those they care for “patients” because they hope they will bear their treatment patiently.
As with all of life, Jesus helps me with understanding patience. He patiently endured all that life brought to him. But at times, his straightforwardness and honesty with people caused even his apostles to think he may have been mistaken in the way he dealt with people. He wasn’t.
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit that we all need to acquire. Striving to be like Jesus in everything will move us closer to getting there.