Patience comes to those who have made a Christian submission to the will of God. Being patient is not confined to adversity alone, but to joy and prosperity also. It must become a part of our disposition, and constitution. It must well up from the most inner depths of our being.
The principle of patience comes from the word of God. As pride breeds apathy, patience springs from humility. Among men there is a wide range of opinions in religion, politics, reputations, businesses decisions, promotions, and goals. Selfish interests and pursuits usually lead to clashes having no solutions.
Patience can be tried by the ignorance, and incompetence of others, also by those who lack understanding, and hold certain forms of malice toward those who disagree with them. Under the weight of certain conditions, we can have the opportunity to developed either patience, or impatience. How easy it is to become irritated; angered, developing emotions for revenge.
Without certain principles, standards, or direction, over soul, and spirit will become as a city broken down, without leadership, a city without walls into which thieves will enter.
Proverbs 14:29, “He that is slow to wrath = (anger) is of great understanding: but he that is hasty = (impulsive) of spirit, exalteth folly (sin).”
Wisdom when coupled with understanding will bring to us a larger and more varied comprehensive view of a situation. The very exercise of patience will act as a diversion, giving us time to cool down. In time it may lead to a solution that will ease the severity of any offence committed against us.
Proverbs 19:11, “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger = (makes him slow to anger); and it is his glory to pass over = (overlook) a transgression.”
Those who are provoked to revenge will soon be conquered. Their victory lost, when their patience is lost. Patience always wins the battle.
Let’s take a trip back in time, as we stand at the foot of the cross. We behold Jesus suffering for us, as we then become aware, and focused on a people’s heinous conspiracy against him. Now consider the nature of Jesus supposed offence, the over-riding evil of the people, and the binding force of his accusers.
Then consider the righteousness of His cause, and the glory surrounding his person. This act of the people seemed to call for vengeance, as the creature was eager to crush their Creator.
Jesus withstood the pain of their assaults, as the sun became darkened the earth trembled, and shook beneath the feet of his accusers. The rocks of the mountains begged to crush the people, as the dead were shaken from their tombs. What was our Lord’s fear? The Father would pour forth His fury upon this people who stood in darkness.
But the Light shined, the glory abound; the lesson was put forth to us in His words,
Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
In suffering and affliction, patience is to be displayed, in this we may glory. Distress and grief can exercise, strengthen and distinguish our patience.
James 1:3, “The trying = (testing) of your faith worketh patience.”
Impatience for good can be as harmful as the pressure of any evil. Our ability to endure without instant answers or satisfaction is a desired qualification by which we can endure evil. There are times when God will not immediately indulge us with an answer, but He does hears as soon as we ask, in this we can stand with resolve for His answer, and blessing.
Patience cries,
Psalms 27:14, “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the LORD.”
It is ordered by the Gospel in,
Romans 12:12, for us to be, “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation.”
Luke 21:19, Jesus said, “In your patience possess ye your souls.”
In the present state of the world, patience is an absolute necessary.
Hebrews 10:36, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
The way has been set before us by others.
Hebrews 6:12, “Be not slothful = (sluggish), but followers = (imitators) of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Hebrews 12:1, “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Job 1:22, “In all this, Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”
Trials, coupled with patience, will terminate in triumph.
James 5:7-8, “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord…. Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”
Romans 2:7, “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life.”
Phillip LaSpino