Patient Long-Suffering by Kim Reisman

Scripture Focus:

Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!

Micah 7:18-19 (NLT)

This month we’re focusing on three fruits of the Spirit – patience, kindness, and goodness. Today we’ll start with patience.

A first-grade teacher was having an unusually difficult day. It was raining and the kids couldn’t go out for recess. As the day wore on, the kids got more and more restless. The teacher could hardly wait for the end of the day.

About 15 minutes before the bell rang, she saw that it was still raining so she decided to start getting everyone ready for dismissal. She sorted out their boots and raincoats and began helping get them on. Finally, they were all ready to go with the exception of one little boy whose boots were just too small for his feet. There were no zippers or snaps, and it took every last ounce of strength she had to get them on.

When at last she had them on, she straightened up with a sigh of relief. But the little boy looked down at his feet for a moment and said, “You know what? These boots ain’t mine!”

She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but being the good teacher she was, she smiled bravely and started taking them off. They were even harder to get off than they were to put on! She yanked and tugged and tugged and yanked. Finally, the boots came off. And you’ll never guess what the little boy said, “They ain’t my boots, but they’re my sister’s and I gotta wear them!”

It happens daily: Our patience is tried.

The Greek word is makrothymise and is translated “patience” and “forbearance” as well as “long-suffering.” To grasp the meaning of patience as a fruit of the Spirit, it’s best to begin by thinking of the patience of God with us. God suffers long, bears with us in all our sinning and rebellion, all our apathy and unconcern. God doesn’t draw back when we spurn God’s love.

In our Scripture for today, the prophet Micah provides a marvelous picture of this patient, long-suffering God. Pardoning our guilt, overlooking our sin, delighting in showing unfailing love. This is who God is, and Jesus reveals this patient, long-suffering God as the Shepherd who never gives up on a lost sheep, as a Father who waits and prays and prays and waits with outstretched hands and heart to receive the prodigal son back home.

As you pray and fast this week, think about the things that try your patience. Why do these situations get to you? Is it a matter of time? Is it a control issue – you’re not in complete control? Are feelings of threat involved? Reflect on why you become impatient in these situations. I’ll be praying that you would remember the depth of God’s patience with each one of us. That he never gives up and always waits with an outstretched hand and heart.