A Place For Patience

WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ

3 Examples of Biblical Patience 

Humility and patience are the surest proofs of the increase of love.

-John Wesley

Patience is one of those virtues that captures all others within it. To be patient, one must be enduring, long-suffering, kind, and temperate. Patience demands everything from the individual, but demands the least from all others. Patience, as Wesley notes in the quote above, subsists in humility – as pride finds no home with the patient person.

Patience is also necessary for healthy and enduring relationships. Whether within the family, marriage, or workplace, patience is necessary for the relationship to thrive. Because patience is so central to relationships, the Bible has plenty to say on the matter. Here are three of the most prominent examples of Biblical patience:

The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac.

Genesis 21:1-3

Abraham had to learn to be patient – mostly out of necessity. In fact, there were times that he and Sarah both struggled to believe that God would deliver on his promise to produce an heir for them. He even attempted to force God’s hand by conceiving a child through his servant Hagar. However, God ultimately did deliver on his promise to Abraham, and through this promise he has blessed the whole world through Isaac, Jacob, and ultimately Jesus. Abraham gives us a great example of trusting in God’s plan – even when it appears to be absurd. The author of Hebrews notes that “And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise” (Heb 6:15).

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:25-26

There are certain situations in life where patience seems to be the opposite response of any rational person. Jeremiah knew this all too well, as he surveyed the destruction of Judah. Yet, despite all he saw before him, the occupation of his homeland, and the taking off of many into captivity or exile, he knew that God always builds up and preserves his people. He always keeps for himself a remnant – from which he will redeem all things. For this, Jeremiah notes that we must learn to be patient – to endure all things as we await the day of the Lord.

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.  As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

James 5:7-11

One of the most complete and eloquent exhortations to patience comes from James in the fifth chapter.   Here he gives us a beautiful definition and example of what Biblical patience is – and how we can demonstrate that in our relationships. He notes that patience is difficult to endure, but, like the farmer, it is a necessary aspect of producing a harvest. He reminds us that our long-suffering is not in vain, and that we will be taken care of in the end – just as God delivered Job from his affliction.

Patience as Fruit of the Spirit

To be sure, patience is a difficult thing to cultivate. We cannot expect to be able to suffer the storms of life on our own. However, God has promised that he will work in us through the Holy Spirit to produce patience – among many other gifts of the spirit. Through this, we can grow in faith and perseverance throughout our lives, becoming a rock of faith so that we might anchor ourselves in others in the rough seas of life.