Bible Studies

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Patience
Abraham and Sarah waited so long for a son, and Isaac was born just as God had said. God’s promises never fail, but man’s patience certainly does. When Abraham and Sarah took matters into their own hands, a sad chain of events began which continues today.

Why is patience good? Patience is a part of God’s character. “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy”. (Psalm 103:8) He understands our faults and is mercifully patient with us. Look at the 120 years that Noah’s neighbors had to repent, or the 440 years and 6 days the Canaanites were allowed. Look at the decades from birth into old age most of us have to conform ourselves to God’s will. He has shown us patience in great abundance.

What does patience do? Patience gets God’s attention. “I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1) Patience pleases God. “But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. (1 Peter 2:20) Patience promotes peace. “A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. (Proverbs 15:18) Patience serves God. “As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:10)

How important is patience? It is one of the fruits of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul calls on us to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3) Patience is part of our Christian bearing and demeanor. “Put on” the virtues of “compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12).

As well as being a command, patience is also a gift from God. Pray for the Spirit to enable the fruits, because as Albert Mohler, Jr. says “patience as a genuine virtue comes only to those who have been redeemed by Christ and in whom the Holy Spirit is calling forth the fruit of the Spirit.”

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