In Greek... makrothumia... defined by Louw and Nida as... a state of emotional calm in the face of provocation or misfortune and without complaint or irritation...
A facet of... the fruit of the Spirit... and love... deeply connected with hope...
It is not a character trait we can force... it's part of a fruit that grows... nothing organic can be forced... a bean doesn't sprout because we will it... it grows by God's grace when we cultivate an environment for it... one compatible with growth...
So too... growing patience... requires cultivation... eating God's Word... praying... obeying... each practice preparing the mind... and heart... as good soil... for spiritual growth...
I wonder... is it patience... that makes it possible to...
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...
Philippians 2:14-15
(my emphasis)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
(emphasis mine)
Patience... the ability to be the calm in the storm... an attribute worth cultivating...
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