The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 is comprised of Godly attitudes present in the lives of those with the Spirit of God.  The Holy Spirit is the one who produces the fruit through us and these fruits are not produced in any way by our natural self.  In fact, the flesh produces “works of the flesh” by human energy as opposed to the fruit of the Spirit which is grown as a branch abides in the vine (Christ). John 15:5.  The “fruit” of the Spirit is singular as it produces one kind of fruit – Christlikeness.

One attitude of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 is forbearance.  Forbearance or longsuffering is defined…as patient self-control; restraint and tolerance; especially when troubled by other people.   The Greek word literally means long-tempered and refers to a resolved patience that is an outgrowth of humility and gentleness.  

Patience with people is one of the areas I fail most in my Christian walk.  Whether it is being angry with a poor/slow driver, an indecisive orderer in a fast food line or someone who talks more than necessary, I many times do not demonstrate forbearance with people.  However, it is very important that we as Christians “bear with one another in love.”  Ephesians 4:2 and Colossians 3:13.  God showed forbearance toward our sins and delayed judgement we deserved to give us time to find salvation in him. Romans 2:4. Likewise, we should show patience with people for their relatively trivial offenses toward us.