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About 20% of youth sports parents believe their child can play NCAA Division 1 college sports. And half that (10%) believe their child could play professionally (NBA, MLB, NFL, MLS, NHL; etc.). The reality is markedly different.[1]

• MLB: 1 in 610 will get drafted (.16%)
• NFL: 1 in 3,960 (.025%)
• NBA: 1 in 10,399 (.0096%)
• WNBA: 1 in 12,873 (.0077%)

Sadly, and said with much empathy, many parents are operating in a fantasy. Yet, the amount of money spent on youth sports with league fees, training, equipment, and travel in many cases outspends the amount of money received in scholarships. Undoubtedly, youth sports are not wasted. They learn much about life endurance, character development, teamwork, and other qualities, not to mention developing life-long friendships and cherished memories through beloved sports.

So, as most of us are unqualified to perform in professional sports, today –
I feel centrally under qualified to speak about the spiritual fruit of patience. Couldn’t there have just been 8 fruit of the Spirit (leave out patience)? Yet, here we are with the reminder that every word of God is helpful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

EXAMINE               Patience                Galatians 5:22

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴ And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Biblical Definitions

• erek appayim, or literally, “long of nose”[2]; also carries the idea of long=suffering; used 13x of God
  Exodus 34:6 “The LORD God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness”[3]
  
• חוּל Chuwl = twist & twirl or dance – perhaps in pain; waiting is work
  Ps 37:7 “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; fret not over evil-doers”
  
• ὑπομονή Hupomone = stand under; implies endurance and steadfastness with a circumstance
  James 1:3 “the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, and let patience has its full effect so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
  
• μακροθυμία Makrothumia = long passion or long to have wrath; slow to avenge
  2 Peter 3:9 “The LORD is not slow to fulfill his promise, but is patient toward you, not wishing any to perish but all reach repentance in Christ”

So, patience is having God’s perspective on stress or struggles, and ability to move forward in joy and hope.

Romans 5:3-6 “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, which produces character, which produces hope, and hope does not disappoint because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Patience is having God’s perspective on stress or struggles, and ability to move forward in joy and hope.

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Unpacking this definition…

Patience originates from God.

A key verse mentioned earlier that is frequently repeated “The LORD God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ex 34:6). The context of this verse is on the heels of Moses receiving the 10 Commandments. When Moses returned down the mountain to share with the Israelites, he found them worshiping idols. Aaron led the nation to put gold in the fire and fashion a golden calf. Obviously, Moses wasn’t happy, but God was furious (“the LORD’s wrath burned hot” 32:10) that they had forsaken Him after rescuing them from Egyptian slavery. Moses felt empowered toward a righteous anger that he threw the tablets down, and they broke. Then, on behalf of the LORD, Moses challenged the people to prove their trust in Yahweh. Those who rejected Yahweh were put to death, and 3K men died. Afterwards, Moses prayed for the people: “You have sinned greatly, and now I will go up to the LORD and perhaps make atonement for your sin. So, Moses prayed, ‘this people has sinned greatly and made gods for themselves – but now, if you will forgive their sin… [AND] show us your ways and do not remove your presence from us – and God promised not to blot them out of His book or remove His presence” (Ex 32:30-33; 33:12-14). So, the LORD instructed Moses to make two stone tablets again to write His words/commands. And the LORD descended in the cloud and declared, “The LORD God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousandth generation” (Ex 34:6).

And this is distinguishing for the character of God. Most people view God, especially from the OT, as one who is unpredictably cruel and unfairly critical. Yet, if we really read the OT, we understand God to be consistent, impartial, and benevolent.

IOW, you might say, well if these stories about Moses and OT are true history, then why doesn’t God destroy the depravity and evil of the world? Why are there unjust murders; why is there despicable racism; why is there a host works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21) like pornography, child abuse, child trafficking, fornication, adultery, sorcery/addiction, rivalry and division, greed and gluttony; etc…

And the biblical answer is bc of God’s patience.   
Ro 2:4 “Do not presume on the riches of God’s kindness or forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9 “The LORD is not slow to fulfill his promise, but is patient toward you, not wishing any to perish but all reach repentance in Christ”

So, whatever your view of God, make sure it’s from an honest engagement with Scripture. And, the more we engage with Scripture the more we can gain God’s perspective on our circumstances to exercise humble patience and joyful trust.

Isa 40:31 “those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint/exhaust”

Ps 27:14 “Wait for the LORD, be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD”

Ps 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the LORD, he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction and out of the miry bog, and he set my foot upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God… Blessed is the one who makes the LORD his trust”  

Patience experienced should result in patience expressed.

As we understand patience originates from God, we appreciate it more and more. We praise Jesus because of God’s patience.

Ps 86:12-15 “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, [and praise] with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me, and [your patience] has delivered my soul from the grave”

Jesus tells a parable about this principle (Matthew 18:23-34). Servant Sam owed over 20-years’ worth of wages – an insurmountable debt. Master Max expected repayment but the debt could only be recompensed through slavery of the man and his entire family. However, Sam pleaded for patience and begged for mercy.
Out of pity, Max forgave the entire debt. However, a brief time later the Sam encountered his friend Fiona who owed him a few month’s wages. Sam treated Fiona harshly – yelling obscenities and physically bullying her to repay her debt but she could not. Of course… Master Max gets word about this and confronts Sam about this hypocritical and inexcusable selfishness. – – – Jesus explains this parable relates to those who experience God’s patient grace but fail to express it to others.

A similar manner happens with Jonah. Remember, he was the prophet God sent to preach about the gospel to Nineveh. But Jonah was a Republican and the Ninevites were Democrats. Jonah didn’t want the Ninevites to experience God’s forgiveness, so he ran from God’s call. Jonah said, “I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from punishment… It is better I die than go preach the gospel” (4:2-3). Jonah experienced God’s forgiving mercy by not being digested by a great fish. Yet, lacking patience and grace for others means Jonah attempted to play God and forbid pardon to others, especially those who looked different, or had different priorities.

Lacking patience and grace for others means we’re attempting to play God and forbid pardon for similar sins and faults you have.

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So, what we learn is that patience is contrary to human nature. It’s uncommon / unnatural – it’s supernatural, surprising, and mesmerizing when we see patience in action.

APPLY/TAKEAWAY     

So, how do we cultivate the fruit of patience?

Impatience should drive us to prayer.

What happens when we’re impatient?

• Impatience is what you have for the driver in traffic in front of you, but patience is what you demand for the driver behind you.
• Impatient at grocery line w/o real people & machines are malfunctioning… we get annoyed/angry.
• Impatient at classmates or coworkers who are not doing their part… which means you are burdened with putting forth extra hours and effort. 
• Impatient at circumstances that appear as if God is selecting you as prime target for trial after trial… which causes questions/doubt in faith.
• Impatience at interpersonal relationships that you don’t see eye-to-eye, and there’s frequent conflict, strain, and heartbreak…

Impatience reminds us we are not in control, and we are not God, but how much we need His help. It should drive us to pray.
Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be [impatiently] anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

James 5 ⁷ Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. ⁸ You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. ⁹ Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. ¹⁰ As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹ Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

• Pray like a farmer – work hard & wait humbly.
• Pray for the gospel to break our grumbling heart and lead to hope in God’s purposes.

Patience should drive us to people.

I realize this sounds contrary… Lord, I’m not patient, so I’m gonna sit over here in the corner all/by/myself – or travel to a remote island… – – – > The problem? Well, you’re still on the island. You’re there with you! And we are no more patient with ourselves than we are with others. So, the only way patience drives us to others is if we genuinely understand the grace of God. – – – >

James 5 ¹³ Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Our pressures, pain, and problems should lead us to others for help and hope. And one of the best ways we offer hope is by praying for one another, then discerning how to tangibly help.

• When is the last time you prayed with someone? Not just them praying for you, but you praying for them. If we’re not cooperating and mutually interceding for one another, then we’re not functioning as a family – we’re mere spectators being entertained, or consumers feeling like we’re purchasing a product, or worse parasites always taking strength from others but never returning support.

Further, remember Jonah? He knew God was patient and forgiving but isolated from others. Clearly, he had a spiritual disconnect. But, the contrast to Jonah is Paul, who says, “Formerly, I was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent opponent of God. But I received mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that Jesus Christ might display his perfect PATIENCE as an example to those who are to believe in him for eternal life” (1Tim 1:13-16).

The reason why Paul was one of the most effective evangelists and an impactful missionary was because he genuinely understood how graciously patient God was toward Him.

• Will you take the lead, starting today at seat/steps, confessing weakness and committing to pray for others?

And before we close, from my personal challenges and observations with patience… we’re impatient bc we doubt the fruition of a preferred future.

So, we need to remember God’s promises

• Rom 8:28 “for those who love God all things work together for good”
• Php 1:6 “God, who began a good work in you will bring it co completion at the day of Jesus Christ”

Be patient. God is working. And God always finishes what He starts.

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[1] https://projectplay.org/news/project-play-survey-11-of-sports-parents-believe-their-child-can-go-pro

[2] https://bibleproject.com/guides/slow-to-anger/

[3] Cf:  Ex 34:6; Num 14:18; 2Chr 30:9; Neh 9:17; Ps 86:15; 103:8; 111:4; 112:4; 116:5; 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Nah 1:3; and also see: Romans 2:4; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 2:2-3; 2:19; 3:10.