How many times has someone said to you, “Just be patient”?
In the Bible, James 5:7, we are instructed to “Be patient …”. The sentence concludes with the phrase “until the coming of the Lord”. Simply stated, scripture tells us that we are to be patient for the rest of our lives.
What does it mean to “be patient”?
Definitions for the word patient include the following phrases:
Quietly and steadily persevering
Bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, or annoyance with calmness
Remaining calm and not becoming annoyed for long periods of time when dealing with problems or difficult people
Calmly awaiting an outcome or result
Bearing trials without complaint
As we go through life we will be facing challenges, trials, pain, difficulties, annoyances, problems, and difficult people. In the face of all of these conditions we are to “Be patient …until the coming of the Lord”.
Other scriptures also instruct us to be patient.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12 ESV)
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. (1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV)
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV)
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant … (1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV)
Being patient does not mean that you are approving inappropriate behaviors.
“‘I know your (Church in Ephesus) works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. (Revelation 2:2 ESV)
When you are having difficulty being patient, focus on Jesus Christ.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV)
Finally, remember where patience comes from.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, … (Galatians 5:22 ESV)
Genuine patience is a gift from God.
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