Let’s face it—patience isn’t the flashiest fruit of the Spirit. It doesn’t come with instant rewards or loud applause. But in the hustle of motherhood, the uncertainties of young adulthood, and the everyday waiting rooms of life, patience becomes a quiet superpower. It’s the steady, deep breath when your plans fall apart. It’s the pause before the response. It’s the choice to trust God’s timing over your own. In this blog, we’re diving into what biblical patience really looks like, why it’s so hard (but so worth it), and how we can let the Holy Spirit grow this beautiful fruit in our hearts—one small moment at a time.
What Is Patience, Really?
When we hear the word “patience,” we often think of waiting without complaining. And yes, that’s part of it—but biblical patience runs deeper. In Galatians 5:22-23, “patience” (sometimes translated as “longsuffering”) is listed as a fruit of the Spirit—not a personality trait or natural skill, but something that strengthens in us as we grow in our relationship with God.
Biblical patience means enduring discomfort, delay, or hardship with a heart that remains calm, kind, and full of faith. It’s not about stuffing down frustration, but about inviting God into those frustrating moments and choosing to respond with grace.
Why Is Patience So Hard?
Because we live in a world that thrives on speed. We want quick answers, instant results, and fast-forward buttons on our problems. Waiting feels wasteful. But God often uses waiting to shape us.
Think of Joseph in the Old Testament—thirteen years between his dream and the day it came true. Or Hannah, who prayed for years for a child. Or Jesus Himself, who waited 30 years before starting His ministry. God does deep, holy work in the waiting—and He’s never in a hurry like we are.
What Patience Looks Like in Everyday Life
Patience isn’t just about the big, life-altering waits. It’s about how we respond to the little things:
- When your child asks the same question for the fifth time.
- When your prayers seem to go unanswered.
- When your plans are delayed or derailed.
- When you’re stuck in a season that feels slow and heavy.
It’s in those ordinary moments that patience takes root. And it’s okay if you don’t always get it right—because this fruit is grown, not forced. That is what fruits of the spirit are all about. CLICK HERE to read my other blog on the Fruits of the Spirit
How to Grow Patience
If you’re wondering how to grow your patience, start here:
- Pray for it – Not just “Lord, give me patience,” but “Lord, help me see delays and frustrations through Your eyes. Teach me to trust You here.”
- Practice the pause – Before reacting in frustration, pause. Breathe. Whisper a prayer. Even a 3-second pause can change everything.
- Remember God’s patience with you – He’s never rushed. He’s endlessly kind. And He’s patient with us in all our mess and slowness to learn.
- Reflect on God’s timing – Journal or talk to a friend about how God has come through in His perfect timing before. Let that strengthen your heart.
Trust Even When it isn’t OK
Patience doesn’t mean pretending everything’s okay. It means believing that God is good and there while things aren’t okay yet. It’s trusting that even when life feels stuck or slow, God is at work—growing something beautiful beneath the surface.
So, whether you’re waiting for a breakthrough, holding your tongue during a teenager meltdown, or simply longing for a season of peace, know this: You’re not waiting alone. The Spirit is with you, growing something holy in the waiting—something strong, rooted, and real.
You’re growing patience—and that’s a fruit worth waiting for.
