What Is Patience?

In his letter to the church in Galatia, the Apostle Paul writes about what their lives should and will look like as the Holy Spirit molds them.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. .” Galatians 5:22,23 (NIV)

The Greek word makrothymia is here translated as forbearance. In other translations, it is “patience” (ESV) and “longsuffering” (KJV). Why the different translations? the English word “patience” only partially captures the richness of the Greek term. Other words help round out the meaning. Together, they point to a virtue deeper than simple waiting or being patient. These words point to a Spirit-formed capacity to endure provocation without retaliation.

Think of it this way: the patience that Paul is writing about is the strength to absorb injury, to restrain anger, and to respond with grace when wronged. In that sense, “longsuffering” may be the most vivid translation, but it sounds old-fashioned. “Forbearance,” though less common in everyday speech, adds an important nuance. The literal translation of makrothymia is “long-tempered,” the opposite of being short-tempered or quick to anger.

This is a one of the most important characteristics of God. It is evident throughout both the Old and New Testaments, giving us a clear picture of how we should act.

“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, Exodus 34:6

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:16

God looks at his creation and sees men and women who have turned away from Him. Sin abounds. Yet while he has every right to destroy this creation, as He did in the times of Noah, He patiently draws us back to Him so that we might teach others about who He is and what He has done to restore us and bring about a right relationship with Him. This is makrothymia.

What does this fruit look like in daily Christian life? It is the believer who refuses to lash out when criticized, it the parent who responds calmly to a defiant child, the spouse who absorbs a harsh word without escalating, or the believer who endures criticism without bitterness. It is seen in churches that remain unified despite differences, choosing charity over conflict.

In an age of outrage and instant feedback, forbearance is profoundly countercultural. It reflects not weakness, but divine strength at work within. Ultimately, patience is a reflection of God’s own heart—slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love—and a mark of those being shaped by His Spirit.

If you don’t yet have this patience; if forbearance is an alien concept to you, it may be that you don’t have the Holy Spirit within you.  If you’ve never responded to God’s call to follow Him, but would like to bear fruit like love, joy, peace, and forbearance, then we encourage you to read our post: How Can I Become a Christian?