"What does the Bible say about patience/endurance?"

"What does the Bible say about patience/endurance?"

In James 5:7 we read - "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains." In Galatians 6:9 we read - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

The art of patience is rare to find in our high paced go get it life. Many cry out to G-d and say G-d give me patience but, I want it now! We live in the rat race of go for it. We have fast food, quick print shops, faster and faster computers, express oil changes, expressways, instant pictures (One hour photos), instant cocoa, instant coffee, microwaves, overnight delivery, express mail, instant messenger, and cell phones to talk with others right now. We see our society moving a mile a minute and thinking it’s good for us! Our society applauds the "Type A" personality as the way of success the person to be. Yet our society has far more heart attacks that kill in one year than in other countries. Why? We have the “Hurry up sickness” the “Busy as a bee mindset” and it’s killing us. We do not believe in a day of rest because we have been deceived into thinking we must do more! It is not our job but G-d's to provide us with our daily bread and to turn the situation into a blessing for us!

In a world that offers quick solutions and instant results, the timeless virtue of patience is all but forgotten but, patience is truly a godly attribute. Margaret Thatcher once said, “I am extraordinarily patient provided I get my own way in the end.” When everything is going your way, patience is easy to demonstrate. The true test of patience comes when our rights are violated—when another car cuts us off in traffic; when we are treated unfairly; when our finds or family say something evil about us, when we can not have what we want right now!. Some people think they have a right to get upset in the face of these delays, irritations and trials. Impatience seems like "righteous" anger but it is from the devil himself. The Bible, praises patience as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) which should be produced for all followers of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Patience reveals our faith in G-d’s timing, omnipotence, and love.

Although most people consider patience to be a passive waiting or gentle tolerance, most of the Greek words translated “patience” in the New Testament are active, robust words. Consider, for example, Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”. Does one run a race by passively waiting for slow-pokes or gently tolerating cheaters? Certainly not! The word translated “patience” in this verse means “endurance.” A Christian runs the race patiently by persevering through difficulties. In the Bible, patience is persevering towards a goal, enduring trials, or expectantly waiting for a promise to be fulfilled.

Patience does not develop overnight. G-d’s power and goodness are crucial to the development of patience. Colossians 1:11 tells us that we are strengthened by Him to “great endurance and patience,” while James 1:3-4 encourages us to know that trials are His way of perfecting our patience. Our patience is further developed and strengthened by resting in G-d’s perfect will and timing, even in the face of evil men who “succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7). Our patience is rewarded in the end “because the Lord's coming is near” (James 5:7-8). “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” (Lamentations 3:25).

We see in the Bible many examples of those whose patience characterized their walk with G-d. James points us to the prophets “as our example of patience in the face of suffering” (James 5:10). He also refers to Job, whose perseverance was rewarded by what the “Lord finally brought about” (James 5:11). Abraham, too, waited patiently and “received what was promised” (Hebrews 6:15). Jesus is our model in all things, and He demonstrated patient endurance: “Who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of G-d” (Hebrews 12:2).

How do we display the patience that is characteristic of Christ? First, we thank G-d. A person’s first reaction is usually “Why me?”, but the Bible says to rejoice in G-d’s will (Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:6). Second, we seek His purposes. Sometimes G-d puts us in difficult situations so that we can be a witness. Other times, He might allow a trial for sanctification of character. Remembering that His purpose is for our growth and His glory will help us in the trial. Third, we remember His promises such as Romans 8:28, which tells us that “all things G-d works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The “all things” especially include the things that try our patience.

In John 8:47 we read: "Whoever is of G-d hears the words of G-d. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of G-d.” In 1 Peter 2:20 we read: "For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of G-d." In James 5:10-11 we read: "As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful."

In 1 Timothy 6:10-11 we read: "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 G-d, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." In James 1:2-4 we read: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." In Revelation 14:12 we read: "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of G-d, and the faith of Jesus."

In 1 Peter 4:12 we read: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." In Hebrews 12:7 we read: "It is for discipline that you have to endure. G-d is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?" In Romans 5:3-4 we read: "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope," In James 1:12-18 we read: "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which G-d has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by G-d,” for G-d cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers." In Hebrews 10:36 we read: "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of G-d you may receive what is promised."

The next time you are in a traffic jam, betrayed by a friend, or mocked for your testimony, or forced once again to wait upon the Lord - how will you respond? The natural response is impatience which leads to stress, anger, impatience, hatred, frustration and unbelief. Instead of harming yourself and your relationship with the Lord, start to praise G-d that, as Christians, we are no longer in bondage to a “natural response” because we are new creations in Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 5:17). Instead, we have the Lord’s strength to respond with patience and in complete trust in our Father’s power, promise and purpose. Because “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life” (Romans 2:7).

Is the lack of endurance truly an unforgivable "Sin"?

In Matthew 10:22 we read: "And ye shall be hated of all men for My Name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved" Jesus warning contains very stern Words, especially to those who have already confessed that they have trusted Jesus Christ for Eternal Salvation. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). You may ask, "Don't you believe in the Eternal Security of the Believer?" Most certainly, I do. "And I give unto them Eternal Life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand" (John 10:28). But, we are nowhere to confuse the Security of the Believer with the Insecurity that Rightfully Belongs to ANY Sinner. "Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him" (1John 3:6). The self-deception of sin persuades the one who professes to know Jesus Christ that they have already been saved, even though they presently continue in unrepented sin. "In this the children of G-d are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of G-d, neither he that loveth not his brother" (1John 3:10).

Peter truly denied Jesus thee times because he was relying on himself rather than Himself - after Peter received power from G-d in the form of the Holy Spirit - "Peter" could finally stand still and receive the Lord's salvation - as we all will when we rely only upon G-d to keep us from falling. In John 21:14 - 20 we read: "This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify G-d. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me." And Peter did finally deny himself and allowed Himself to carry Peter so that Peter could finally follow Jesus to the cross and there Peter too glorified G-d.

Well fellow Traveler, are you headed in the right direction? Or do you really still want everything to go your own way? Remember that the word "lived" is simply the "devil" backwards........

Love one another!