When I was a young Christian, I once had a friend warn me not to pray for “patience” or I might get it (meaning trials would come). But, the Word of God says that, not only do Christians have need of patience, they are to be fruitful in it. Long-suffering (its synonyms: patience, endurance, perseverance) is a characteristic of Our Heavenly Father that we love, especially when we fumble or fail in godliness. Patience is full of God’s transforming power and encouragement to the maturing Christian. It is the classroom where faith is tested and the knowledge of God increased; the site where true worship is developed. It is the vehicle that bears us to the finish of a life well-lived for God and the reward that awaits us in heaven. St. James said, “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Like the farmer is patient, persevering in cultivating his crop to a good harvest, so Our Master Gardener is patient in tending the branches of the Vine. The branches are to produce the fruit of patience so that the children of men may taste the goodness of the Lord. Have you prayed for “patience” today? Think about it.