THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS Lesson 5 for the 30 th of January, 2010

Romans, 15: 5 His character: God is “slow to anger” (Exodus, 34: 6). He is forbearing, calm, kind and persevering under all circumstances. His example in Nineveh: “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity” His example in Nineveh: “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity” (Jonah, 4: 2) Treating the sinners Treating the sinners: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance… our Lord's patience means salvation” (2 Peter, 3: 9, 15)

The Flood. “God waited patiently [for 120 years] in the days of Noah while the ark was being built” (1 Peter, 3: 20) Sodom and Gomorrah. He would have forgiven them if there were only 10 righteous people. The inhabitants of Canaan. He waited for 400 years and forgave those who could be saved, like Rahab in Jericho. The destruction of Jerusalem. It was prophesied since Hezekiah. He waited for 130 years before executing His sentence. God knows every heart and waits patiently until man regrets following his evil will. He ends His patience and destroys the sinner only when there is no chance of regretting.

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and makrothumía” (Colossians, 3: 12) We must show this kind of patience in our character: “You too, have makrothumía, and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near” (James, 5: 8) “But the fruit of the Spirit is… makrothumía” (Galatians, 5: 22) Makrothumía. Forbearance, calm response; opposite to: impatient or easy frustration.

“By your hupomoné possess your souls” (Luke, 21: 19) “For you have need of hupomoné, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Hebrews, 10: 36) “Add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, hupomoné; to hupomoné, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love” (2 Peter, 1: 5-7) “Here is the hupomoné of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation, 14: 12) Hupomoné. Resistance, perseverance, integrity. We must show this kind of patience in our character, too:

At church At home In our work places When preaching the Gospel “Be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians, 4, 2) “Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord” (James, 5: 10) “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians, 5: 14) “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy, 4: 2 NIV)

We should follow God’s example; are we willing to being patient for 120, 130 or 400 years? Our patience can run out legitimately only in very special circumstances. When that happens, we must use the other fruits of the Spirit.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops patience. Patience must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James, 1: 2-4)

Every trial will help us with improving our Christian character, by God’s grace. Patience is a gift from God, and He develops it in our lives. Those trials can be a result of various circumstances: Because the devil tempt us to do evil. Because God permits them to develop our character. Because our disobedience leads to them. Because we live in a sinful world.

“Christ gave His disciples a most important lesson in regard to who should be His disciples … “He who seeks to serve others by self-denial and self-sacrifice will be given the attributes of character that commend themselves to God, and develop wisdom, true patience, forbearance, kindness, compassion. This gives him the chiefest place in the kingdom of God".” E.G.W. (This day with God, December 13)