Just as trees produce certain fruits, Christians must produce certain qualities and characteristics on a daily basis. These qualities and characteristics are listed in Galatians 5:22-23 and are identified as “the fruit of the Spirit.” The fourth fruit that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to produce is patience. What does the Bible have to say about patience?
Generally, in all circumstances, followers of Jesus are to be people of patience. As Christians, we are urged “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling” to which we have been called (Ephesians 4:1); among a list of other things, this must be carried out “with patience” (Ephesians 4:2). Just like we put on clothes as the day begins, Scripture instructs us to “put on then, as God’s chosen ones… patience” (Colossians 3:12). Just like Timothy, we are to follow Paul’s example of patience (2 Timothy 3:10). We are to be like the seed that is planted in the good soil, people “who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15). By good conduct and patience, we are to seek for glory, honor, and immortality; this will ultimately result in eternal life (Romans 2:5). Even in the most difficult circumstances, we are to “be patient in tribulation” (Romans 12:12).
As Christians, we are to be patient in our interactions with others. We all have people in our lives who cause our patience to run thin. As we interact with others, we are to “be patient with them all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). When we love others as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39), we will be patient with them because “love is patient” (1 Corinthians 13:4).
As Christians, we are to be patient for the day when Jesus returns. In the midst of the suffering that James’ original readers were encountering from the hands of the rich, James tells them, “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” We must listen to that message, as well; when we suffer persecution, we must patiently look forward to the day when Jesus will repay the afflicters and grant relief to the afflicted (2 Thessalonians 1:5-12). We are to be “imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:12). As we hope for what we do not see, “we wait for it with patience” (Romans 8:25).
As we are patient with others, we need to realize that God is patient with us. Reflecting on his past, Paul said, “I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16). We can see the Lord’s patience in Paul’s life; in the same way, if we take a moment to look inwardly, we can see His patience in our own lives, as well. As 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” The only reason that Jesus has not returned yet is because God is being patient with us, giving us opportunities to repent of our sins. What are the sins that you need to repent of? What are some changes that you need to make? The patience of God is for our salvation (2 Peter 3:10).
-Tyler Alverson
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