Virtue is a very serious matter. Even the Holy Apostle Paul pointed out the Christian virtues, the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Virtue is the striving for goodness. But Love is the highest virtue and the fundamental concept of Christian moral teaching. And the main prayer of Great Lent—»Grant me, Thy servant, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love»—we pray repeatedly, quoting the words of St. Ephraim the Syrian. And these petitions recall a special virtue—patience. It has a special significance for a person’s spiritual life. Patience is the ability not to succumb to grumbling, irritation, or anger, but to endure everything with greater self-control.
Thus, patience becomes a step on the path to the Kingdom of God.
A patient person is one who has already acquired the Holy Spirit within themselves.
And therefore, the words of the Savior, which we read in the Gospel, are so clear: «By patience possess ye your souls» (see Luke 21:19). Patience builds a person’s spiritual strength. This is why Saint Ephraim mentions patience in his remarkable prayer, and more than once every day during Great Lent we ask the Lord: «Grant me, Thy servant, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love.» Amen.
And what can we do with you to learn patience?
Let’s plant some flowers in the garden.
— Oh, I’m so tired! And I have to wait so long for everything to grow and bloom.
Growing a garden requires great patience. Plant, water, and wait for the seed to sprout.
Look, look, they’re growing. How beautiful!
«Patience and hard work will overcome all obstacles» is a popular proverb, meaning diligent work with patience can overcome any obstacles and difficulties, leading to the desired result. It motivates us not to give up and not to be discouraged by setbacks, emphasizing that constant effort will overcome obstacles, just as friction breaks solid objects. Seeds germinate slowly; this is where our patience comes in. By diligently tending the garden, with prayer, love, and patience, we will grow a beautiful garden and acquire the virtue of patience.