Patience, sometimes translated in the Bible as “perseverance” or “long suffering,” is the ability to accept delay, suffering or trouble without getting angry or upset. A person with patience can wait for something they want – like dessert or birthday presents, for example – without complaining. Patient people push down the emotion of wanting something RIGHT NOW. They show a sense of “cheerful endurance,” trusting that God has perfect timing in all things.
Today we live in a world of “instant gratification,” which means getting what we want right away. We can go online and read messages, watch videos, or purchase items instantly. When we get used to quickly receiving what we want, it can be a shock when we don’t, leading to anger and frustration…otherwise known as impatience!
Patience can be a difficult quality to improve, but we should still keep trying to do our best to make progress. One reason is because it’s included in a list of important qualities God wants Christians to develop. This list, found in Galatians, is called “the fruit of the spirit.” (5:22,23, NASB): “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…"
Why is patience important? Well…
Do you want to make good decisions? Proverbs (14:29, Christian Standard Bible) says, “A patient person shows great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.”
Is something making you scared or nervous? We know that God has a plan for the entire world and are confident He has everything under control. Romans says, (12:12, NLT) “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.”
Do you want to be more loving? Being patient is a part of that. 1 Corinthians (13:4, English Standard Version) says, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant,…”
In Ephesians, (4:2, Common English Bible) Paul advises Christians to: “Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love,…”
So, what is patience? It’s the ability to accept delay, suffering or trouble without being angry or upset. It’s a quality that God wants every Christian to develop, so let’s try hard to be patient the next time we find ourselves in a difficult situation or having to wait for something we want!
This video is from Christian Questions Podcast. For more information please go to https://christianquestions.com
