What is Patience? A word extremely common in our every day vocabulary. I thought about how I needed some this morning trying to help get our children around for the day. Then I realized I didn’t even know the meaning. I only know what I THINK the meaning is. So what is the actual definition of patience, what does the Bible say about it, and how can we apply it in our every day lives?

The word “patient” as defined by the Webster’s Online Dictionary: Bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.

This definition brings insight to me. Especially, since I thought Patience was just not getting angry at the small things that are not going correct for me that moment. According to the definitions given, bearing pains or trials and being steadfast despite opposition, don’t give us the idea of being patient in a particular moment, but over the course of some time in an individuals life.

Our society tells us rather matter of factly that Patience is a virtue, making it seem that it cannot be taught nor learned. Though Patience is a Fruit of the Spirit as stated in Galatians 5:22. It is one of 9 Fruits of the Spirit that are needed to overcome living a fleshly life. According to Galatians 5:13-6:10, living by the Spirit is a daily task. Why would God bless some with Patience and others without it and then tell us we all need to exercise it?

Applying Patience along with the other Fruits of the Spirit let’s us live in freedom. It allows us to treat our family, our brothers and sisters in Christ, co-workers, and people we pass on the street the way Christ wants us to treat them.  When we live by the Spirit, we will walk with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

So as we go about our week, let’s put into practice Patience in everything we do. Not just the times we deem it to be needed in our lives. We will be blessed by the Spirit and we will bless those around us when we do.