Who among us doesn't need a lesson in obtaining patience? Patience is so important in maintaining a proper balance in life.
In The Bible, Patience Is Highly Exalted
God is the God of patience (Romans 15:5; 2 Peter 3:9)
Robert Ingersoll said, "I'll give God five minutes to strike me dead." After a few moments, his opponent replied, "Does this man think that he can exhaust the patience of God in five minutes?"Jesus is the Lord of patience (1 Peter 2:20-22)
It's hard to conceive of all that Jesus endured with incredible patience (Hebrews 12:2).Abraham showed patience (Hebrews 6:15)
God promised him a marvelous blessing, but it was premised upon his patience.Job showed patience (James 5:10,11)
New Testament examples (2 Timothy 3:10-12; Revelation 1:9)
Paul endured with patience. The New Testament Christians had patience.The Bible also tells us how to deal with patience in a personal way. It tells us how to avoid becoming restless and short-tempered .(1 Timothy 6:11; Titus 2:2; 2 Peter 1:6)
Areas Where Patience Is Needed
With ourselves (Luke 21:19)
Do we ever feel that what we have done just is not good enough? Some of us do this. We feel that we come up short of our own expectations, and as a result, worry sets in. Let us remind ourselves that we should allow this attitude to control us.With our families (Ephesians 5:15,16)
People will allow for and accept the mistakes they see in others, and then expect perfection in their own family members. This should not be.With our fellow man (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12,13)
Are we impatient with others, whether it be while waiting in traffic or in the check-out line? We might not be if we knew more about each individual circumstance.When treated wrongfully (1 Peter 2:20; Romans 12;17,19)
Do we retaliate or do we react with understanding?We Can Overcome Impatience...
By studying the Bible. (Romans 15:4)
This is why we have God's word - it is for our learning.When we experience the trials that life brings us. (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:7)
Through prayer. (Colossians 1:11,12)
We should pray for patience and we should pray about the impatience we do experience.By exercising hope. (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
Romans 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
1 Peter 2:20-22
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 6:15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
James 5:10,11
10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.2 Timothy 3:10-12
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
2 Peter 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
Ephesians 5:15,16
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Colossians 3:12,13
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.Romans 12;17,19
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
James 1:2-4
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Colossians 1:11,12
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
