Neither Idle nor Unfruitfulಮಾದರಿ

Patience - Meaning of the word

The Greek word translated as "patience" or “perseverance” is ὑπομονή (hypomonē) which means "steadfastness, constancy, endurance, patient enduring" from the verb ὑπομένω (hypomenō) "to remain or stay behind when others have departed". The English dictionary definition of the word is "the state, quality, or fact of being patient… the will or ability to wait or endure without complaint… steadiness, endurance, or perseverance in the performance of a task" (Webster). Applied to our faith, it speaks of a Christian life that is not episodic but instead constant, steadfast and enduring.

Patience - Resisting under pressure

Patience is not necessarily about the length of the wait, but rather about the intensity of the trial. We must be patient when we are under pressure due to circumstances (Romans 12:12). Timothy had the opportunity to observe Paul under pressure (2 Timothy 3:10,11). We need patience when we suffer unjustly (1 Peter 2:20,21), and we need the patience of Christ to resist persecution (2 Thessalonians 1:4; 3:1-5). We must endure to the end to gain our souls (Luke 21:19) and not turn back for lack of patient endurance (Hebrews 10:36-39).

Patience - Persevering in doing good

Christian patience entails not only resisting evil but also persevering in the right path when it is difficult. Perseverance in doing good reveals what is important in our lives (Romans 2:6-8). The key to bearing fruit is perseverance (Luke 8:15), so it's important to not get tired before reaching the goal (Galatians 6:9,10). We must have the endurance of an athlete, which is the ability to continue the race (Hebrews 12:1).

Patience - Strength of character

Christian patience is not resignation, but strength of character acquired through trial. Suffering produces perseverance when faced in the right spirit (Romans 5:1-5). Trials help us to develop endurance and mature (James 1:2-4). Our character develops through discipline (Hebrews 12:7-11). Patient endurance was as much a testament to the apostolic authority of Paul as were miracles (2 Corinthians 6:4-10; 12:12). Through the Scriptures, God teaches us patience (Romans 15:4-6).

Patience - The fruit in our lives

By acquiring patient endurance, we can provide comfort to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). Through faith and patience, we inherit God’s promises (Hebrews 6:11,12) and we will reign with Christ (2 Timothy 2:10-13; Revelation 1:9).

Biblical examples of patience

David - the man who knew how to wait

On two occasions, David refused to take Saul's life, even though he had already been anointed king of Israel by Samuel (1 Samuel 24:3-8; 26:7-11). The Psalms expresses his gratitude to the Lord for responding to his prayer after waiting patiently (Psalm 40:1).

Job - the man who kept his trust in God

Job’s patience was shown by his confidence that God’s righteousness would triumph in the end (Job 13:15; 19:25-27; James 5:7-11).