Patience is a virtue highly esteemed in the Christian faith, often associated with endurance, perseverance, and long-suffering. It is considered a fruit of the Spirit and a reflection of God's own nature. The Bible provides numerous teachings and examples that highlight the importance and benefits of patience in the life of a believer.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, patience is frequently linked with waiting on the Lord and trusting in His timing. Psalm 37:7 advises, "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes." This verse encourages believers to remain calm and trust in God's justice, even when faced with apparent injustices.

The account of Job is a profound illustration of patience. Despite immense suffering and loss, Job remained steadfast in his faith. James 5:11 later reflects on Job's endurance: "See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further emphasizes patience as an essential characteristic of a Christian life. In Romans 12:12 , Paul exhorts believers to "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer." This triad of virtues underscores the interconnectedness of hope, patience, and prayer in enduring life's challenges.

Galatians 5:22-23 lists patience as one of the fruits of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." This passage highlights patience as a divine attribute that should be cultivated in the believer's life through the Holy Spirit.

James 1:3-4 provides insight into the purpose of trials and the development of patience: "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Here, patience is seen as a means to spiritual maturity and completeness.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of patience. His life and ministry were marked by enduring suffering and opposition with grace and steadfastness. Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to look to Jesus as the model of patience: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Practical Application

Believers are called to exhibit patience in their interactions with others. Ephesians 4:2 instructs, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." This verse emphasizes the role of patience in maintaining unity and love within the Christian community.

Colossians 3:12 further encourages believers to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." This metaphor of clothing oneself suggests that patience should be an integral and visible part of a Christian's character.

In summary, patience is a foundational aspect of the Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture and exemplified by Christ. It is both a gift of the Spirit and a discipline to be cultivated, enabling believers to endure trials, maintain hope, and reflect God's love to the world.Psalm 37:7-9
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.
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Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirs up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeases strife.
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Ecclesiastes 7:8,9
Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
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Lamentations 3:26,27
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
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Luke 8:15
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
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Luke 21:19
In your patience possess you your souls.
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Romans 2:7
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life:
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Romans 5:3,4
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience;
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Romans 8:25
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
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Romans 12:12
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
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Romans 15:4,5
For whatever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
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1 Corinthians 13:4,5
Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity braggs not itself, is not puffed up,
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2 Corinthians 6:4-6
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
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2 Corinthians 12:12
Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
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Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
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Ephesians 4:1,2
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation with which you are called,
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Colossians 1:10,11
That you might walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
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Colossians 3:12,13
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering;
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1 Thessalonians 1:3
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
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1 Thessalonians 5:14
Now we exhort you, brothers, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
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2 Thessalonians 3:5
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
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1 Timothy 3:2,3
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
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1 Timothy 6:11
But you, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
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2 Timothy 2:24,25
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient,
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Titus 2:1,2,9
But speak you the things which become sound doctrine:
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Hebrews 6:12,15
That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
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Hebrews 10:36
For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.
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Hebrews 12:1
Why seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
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James 1:3,4,19
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience.
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James 5:7,8
Be patient therefore, brothers, to the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
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1 Peter 2:19-23
For this is thank worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
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2 Peter 1:5,6
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
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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.
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Revelation 13:10
He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity: he that kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
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Revelation 14:12
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
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Concerning the Scriptures.
... particular station, and not only the general terms of ... our learning, that we through
patience and comfort ... believe not, concerning the holy scriptures, hoping we ...
/.../proposition iii concerning the scriptures.htm

Eusebius: Constantine. General Index.
... courage and valor, ambition, prudence, patience, perseverance, steadfastness ... father,
friend, as general, legislator, statesman ... copies of the Scriptures, [3533]548 ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/eusebius constantine general index.htm

On Patience
... this is "the perfect work of patience," consequent upon ... will of God: But although
in general he could ... more resolute herein, because the Scriptures are silent ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 83 on patience.htm

On the Authority and Certainty of the Sacred Scriptures
... 5.) This is acknowledged by the general consent of ... they were possessed of invincible
patience and mildness ... human testimony which ascribes our Scriptures to God ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 1 on the authority.htm

The Second Epistle General of Peter
... CHAPTER XXII THE SECOND EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER. ... it was studiously read with the
other Scriptures." [1] It ... the readers are exhorted to holiness and patience. ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xxii the second epistle.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... an oath to interpret the holy scriptures according to ... full signification of charity,
as also patience and suffering ... also of many others, and in general of all ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

Chapter vii.
... arguments, and controversies, proceed upon the general story which our Scriptures
contain, and ... of opposition and suffering; his patience and resignation ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter vii.htm

Concerning Worship.
... other so frequently commanded in the holy scriptures, as may ... of the Spirit, save
only that general one of ... forth an example of our Christian patience towards all ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

General Index.
... Advent message, proclamation of, timely, 351-354. general proclamation of,
355-374. ... a trial of patience, 392, 393. ... see also Bible; Scriptures. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /general index.htm

On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into ...
... the impression, that, amidst the general confusion, all ... heart and mind all the
Scriptures concerning Himself ... needed most tender care and patience: Feed [provide ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii on the third.htm

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