WHY IS PATIENCE IMPORTANT
By W. G. Guy
In this article, three questions are presented and answered regarding patience as presented in the Bible. 1. What is patience; 2. Why is patience lacking in believers today; and 3. What produces patience. After answering these questions, scriptures will be presented showing that patience is a very important part of a believer’s life.
Patience is actually a Godly virtue called “longsuffering” which is part of His divine character and nature as listed in Galatians 5, and called the Fruit of the Spirit, and emphasized again in 2 Peter 1 listing the steps of spiritual maturity.
Galatians 5:22 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
2 Peter 1:5-8 – And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Patience refers to a period of waiting while enduring contrary conditions. We need to understand that God is not limited as to time as we are. He waits for certain conditions to be present in order for Him to act on what He knows is necessary; not just for His will to be done , but also for our own benefit. Thus He acts in what is sometimes called the “appointed time”; it is His timing as we place our matters and concerns into His hands.
Romans 5:3-4 – And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope:
James 1:3-4 – knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
In addition to “hope”, there is a desired fruit produced by these trials and tribulations; it is a fruit that God is looking for in His children, that you may become “perfect” (complete in your faith) and entire, not needing anything else. This also applies the parable Jesus spoke concerning sowing seeds:
Luke 8:15 – But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
This refers to the Fruit of the Spirit that was fully manifested in Jesus Christ, and is to be formed in us as God’s children, (ref.
Galatians 5:22 above).
Romans 8:25 – But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Romans 15:5 – Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
God’s divine character, through Christ, is to be formed in us, (ref. 2 Peter 1:6 above).
2 Corinthians 6:4-7 – but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
The apostle Paul uses himself as an example of pure ministry.
Colossians 1:10-11 – that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
This is the apostle Paul’s prayer for the believers at Colosse.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 – remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
This patience is in anticipation of a divine promise.
2 Thessalonians 1:4 – so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
This speaks again of patience in times of persecution and tribulation.
1Timothy 6:10-11 – For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Seeking those things that are above and of God rather than what is in this sin filled and corrupt world, (Colossians 3:1-2).
2 Timothy 3:10-12 – But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Paul is addressing his conflict with this world’s corrupt system as being an example for believers to follow.
Hebrews 6:12 – And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
There are many examples throughout history that have set the example for us to follow.
Hebrews 10:36 – For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Hebrews 12:1 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
These passages are dealing with faith and divine promises that are rewarded by God for enduring the world’s trials and conflicts and standing strong as a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God.
James 5:7-11 – Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
To be patient unto the coming of the Lord; giving examples of patience and endurance as the early prophets, as well as what Job endured.
Have you wondered why some of your prayers have not yet been answered, or why you are suffering various trials and tribulations? Most likely it is because God is working in you to build your faith and patience for something that is yet to be revealed in and through you. Therefore, trust Him to see you through because He will not test or try you beyond what you can endure but will with the trial make a way through. God makes a way where there is no way! The end result is well worth it!
1 Corinthians 10:13 – There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Peter 4:12-13 – Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
God wants to be conformed to the image of Christ so we can fully appear as the children of God.
1 John 3:2 – Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Romans 8:18-19 – For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
The conclusion of the matter is to embrace your circumstances and commit them, and yourself, into the Lord’s hands; be patient and trusting in Him and He will carry you through. You may endure some pain and suffering but do not be anxious about such things, He will give you what you need to endure and the end result will be a blessing that you cannot imagine.
Philippians 4:6-7 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
By W. G. Guy
In this article, three questions are presented and answered regarding patience as presented in the Bible. 1. What is patience; 2. Why is patience lacking in believers today; and 3. What produces patience. After answering these questions, scriptures will be presented showing that patience is a very important part of a believer’s life.
- What is patience? According to the Strong’s Concordance 5281 – patience is cheerful endurance in trails with continuance toward a positive expectation; remaining calm in time of trials.
Patience is actually a Godly virtue called “longsuffering” which is part of His divine character and nature as listed in Galatians 5, and called the Fruit of the Spirit, and emphasized again in 2 Peter 1 listing the steps of spiritual maturity.
Galatians 5:22 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
2 Peter 1:5-8 – And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Patience refers to a period of waiting while enduring contrary conditions. We need to understand that God is not limited as to time as we are. He waits for certain conditions to be present in order for Him to act on what He knows is necessary; not just for His will to be done , but also for our own benefit. Thus He acts in what is sometimes called the “appointed time”; it is His timing as we place our matters and concerns into His hands.
- Why is patience lacking so much in the lives of believers today? In our modern times we have become used to what can be called our “microwave society”. We want, and expect, so many things to be done quickly, almost instantly. Therefore we no longer have patience to wait for things to happen. This also addresses the state of our faith: some have five second faith, some have five minute faith, some have five hour faith; then there is five day faith, or five year faith, and so on, which tests our patience and endurance.
- What produces patience: This is where we all seem to have problems because the Bible is very specific on what produces patience; it comes through trials and tribulations, which we all hate to go through and try to avoid.
Romans 5:3-4 – And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope:
James 1:3-4 – knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
In addition to “hope”, there is a desired fruit produced by these trials and tribulations; it is a fruit that God is looking for in His children, that you may become “perfect” (complete in your faith) and entire, not needing anything else. This also applies the parable Jesus spoke concerning sowing seeds:
Luke 8:15 – But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
This refers to the Fruit of the Spirit that was fully manifested in Jesus Christ, and is to be formed in us as God’s children, (ref.
Galatians 5:22 above).
Romans 8:25 – But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Romans 15:5 – Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
God’s divine character, through Christ, is to be formed in us, (ref. 2 Peter 1:6 above).
2 Corinthians 6:4-7 – but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
The apostle Paul uses himself as an example of pure ministry.
Colossians 1:10-11 – that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
This is the apostle Paul’s prayer for the believers at Colosse.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 – remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
This patience is in anticipation of a divine promise.
2 Thessalonians 1:4 – so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
This speaks again of patience in times of persecution and tribulation.
1Timothy 6:10-11 – For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Seeking those things that are above and of God rather than what is in this sin filled and corrupt world, (Colossians 3:1-2).
2 Timothy 3:10-12 – But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Paul is addressing his conflict with this world’s corrupt system as being an example for believers to follow.
Hebrews 6:12 – And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
There are many examples throughout history that have set the example for us to follow.
Hebrews 10:36 – For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Hebrews 12:1 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
These passages are dealing with faith and divine promises that are rewarded by God for enduring the world’s trials and conflicts and standing strong as a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God.
James 5:7-11 – Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
To be patient unto the coming of the Lord; giving examples of patience and endurance as the early prophets, as well as what Job endured.
Have you wondered why some of your prayers have not yet been answered, or why you are suffering various trials and tribulations? Most likely it is because God is working in you to build your faith and patience for something that is yet to be revealed in and through you. Therefore, trust Him to see you through because He will not test or try you beyond what you can endure but will with the trial make a way through. God makes a way where there is no way! The end result is well worth it!
1 Corinthians 10:13 – There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Peter 4:12-13 – Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
God wants to be conformed to the image of Christ so we can fully appear as the children of God.
1 John 3:2 – Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Romans 8:18-19 – For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
The conclusion of the matter is to embrace your circumstances and commit them, and yourself, into the Lord’s hands; be patient and trusting in Him and He will carry you through. You may endure some pain and suffering but do not be anxious about such things, He will give you what you need to endure and the end result will be a blessing that you cannot imagine.
Philippians 4:6-7 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
