Fruit of the Spirit: What is Patience?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22,23)
Dictionary Definition: the capacity, habit or fact of bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint; manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain; not hasty or impetuous; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty or adversity.
Compared to love, joy and peace, patience is hardly mentioned in the Bible at all. The following verses do give us insight into this virtue.
"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." (Psalm 37:7) We are to be patient while waiting for the Lord to act. We are not to become worried or upset because evil men are not punished. God will act in his own time.
Proverbs 14:29 tells us that a patient person is wise. It also says that a quick-tempered man is foolish. Proverbs 19:11 gives an example of patience. Someone can offend a patient man without getting a negative reaction.
The Apostle Paul tells us that Jesus had unlimited patience (I Timothy 1:15,16). His proof is that Jesus forgave him, the worst of sinners. Jesus demonstrated patience when he bore the pain of the cross calmly without complaint. He still shows forbearance towards people. Although they keep rejecting him, he keeps seeking them.
James 5:10 sets before us the prophets as examples of patience. In the face of suffering, they remained true to their calling.
The Scripture contains many examples of patience. Abraham waited many years before God keep his promise to give him a son. Noah worked many years in the face of ridicule while building the ark. Joseph, sold into slavery and then put in prison, remained faithful to God and waited for deliverance. David, while hiding in the wilderness from King Saul, would not take matters into his own hands but waited on the Lord to act.
Dictionary Definition: the capacity, habit or fact of bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint; manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain; not hasty or impetuous; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty or adversity.
Compared to love, joy and peace, patience is hardly mentioned in the Bible at all. The following verses do give us insight into this virtue.
"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." (Psalm 37:7) We are to be patient while waiting for the Lord to act. We are not to become worried or upset because evil men are not punished. God will act in his own time.
Proverbs 14:29 tells us that a patient person is wise. It also says that a quick-tempered man is foolish. Proverbs 19:11 gives an example of patience. Someone can offend a patient man without getting a negative reaction.
The Apostle Paul tells us that Jesus had unlimited patience (I Timothy 1:15,16). His proof is that Jesus forgave him, the worst of sinners. Jesus demonstrated patience when he bore the pain of the cross calmly without complaint. He still shows forbearance towards people. Although they keep rejecting him, he keeps seeking them.
James 5:10 sets before us the prophets as examples of patience. In the face of suffering, they remained true to their calling.
The Scripture contains many examples of patience. Abraham waited many years before God keep his promise to give him a son. Noah worked many years in the face of ridicule while building the ark. Joseph, sold into slavery and then put in prison, remained faithful to God and waited for deliverance. David, while hiding in the wilderness from King Saul, would not take matters into his own hands but waited on the Lord to act.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 4:06 PM
1 Comments:
thanks for this nice post 111213
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