Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Rom 15:5

We desire for people to have patience with us, but we often do not have patience with others nor with the circumstances of life. There are many synonyms and a wide definition for patience in the Bible. I would like to describe patience by what it is not. It is not murmuring and complaining regarding others or circumstances. It is not soon angry or revengeful. It is not discontented. It is not hasty. It does not lose self-control. It does not act rashly. It does not quit or give up during adverse circumstances.

GOD IS PATIENT

Patience is an attribute of God. We see examples of God’s patience with men throughout the Bible. Many verses such as Psalm 86:15 speak of God’s patience with His people using the terms longsuffering and mercy: Psa 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

CHRISTIANS ARE TO BE PATIENT

Patience should characterize each Christian. We are commanded to “be patient toward all men” (1 Thess. 5:14). Peter says that patience is one of the virtues to add to our faith: 2 Pet. 1:6 “And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;”

God has been patient with us; let’s be patient with others and with the circumstances that God is allowing us to go through.



Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry