Patience refers to the ability to wait, or continue doing something despite difficulties or to suffer without complaining or becoming annoyed (Cambridge dictionary). The bible has a great deal to say about patience.
The purpose of the trials that come into our lives is to produce patience in us. The purpose of patience, if we allow it to a thorough job in us, is to perfect us, and make us complete and lacking in nothing. James 1:3-4. Because of lack of knowledge, most believers have wasted sufferings which would make them more mature but instead of being patient they complained and murmured. Let us learn our lesson here
David says that He waited for the Lord patiently and God inclined unto him and heard his cry and brought him out of the pit of destruction and put feet on the rock. Ps 40:1-2. God has not changed, He is still the same, if we wait on him patiently, He’ll hear us. We can look at some other verses on the subject;
Jesus gave a parable of the sower of 4 different kind of grounds; the characteristics of the good ground which bear fruit 100fold, 60fold and 30fold are those who are honest and with a good heart…bring forth fruit with PATIENCE; Lk 8:15. Thus we can see can here how important for the children of God to be patient if we are to continue to the end.
Rom 2:7 says that God will give eternal life those who by patient persistent continue doing good seek for glory, and honor and immortality that God offers. We see here we have to be consistent until the end if we are to receive all that God has for us.
One reason God allows His children to suffer, is that we learn patience when suffer, this develops the strength of our character which in turns produces hope. This kind of hope does not disappoint because God pours His love in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us; Rom 5:3-5
Rom 12:12 says that we should be patient in tribulation. Thus when troubles arise in our lives as we know, it does not end after one day in most cases.
The purpose of the old testament is to teach us patience and encourage us giving us hope. Rom 15:4
1Thes 5:14 exhorts us to be patient towards all men. Patience is also a requirement in the leaders in the church; 1Tim 3:3, 2Tim 2:24, Tit 2:2.
We are exhorted not to be lazy but follow those who through faith and patience inherit what was promised. Heb 6:12. It continues to say that we need patience after we have the will of God so that we can receive what was promised. Heb 10:36
We are to run the Christian race with patience looking unto Jesus who endured the cross despising its shame. Heb 12:1-2
James 5:7-10 says we should patiently wait for the coming of the Lord and also learn patience from the old testament prophets.
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