Topical Bible: Patience: They Who are in Authority, should Exercise

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Topical Encyclopedia

Patience is a virtue that is highly esteemed in the Christian faith, and it is particularly important for those in positions of authority. The exercise of patience by leaders is not only a reflection of their character but also a testament to their faith and trust in God's timing and wisdom.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the importance of patience for those in authority. One of the most notable examples is found in the life of King David. Before ascending to the throne, David was anointed by the prophet Samuel, yet he waited many years before he actually became king. During this time, David exhibited remarkable patience, even when he had opportunities to hasten his ascent by taking matters into his own hands. In 1 Samuel 24:10, David spares King Saul's life, saying, "This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you, saying, 'I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD's anointed.'" . David's patience demonstrated his reliance on God's timing and his respect for God's anointed authority.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul provides guidance on the qualities that should characterize those in leadership within the church. In his letter to Timothy, Paul writes, "And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Here, patience is intertwined with kindness and gentleness, underscoring the importance of a measured and compassionate approach to leadership.

The Example of Jesus

Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate example of patience in authority. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated patience with His disciples, the crowds, and even His adversaries. Despite the misunderstandings and opposition He faced, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission, teaching and guiding with patience. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus invites, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" . His gentle and patient leadership serves as a model for all who hold positions of authority.

Practical Application

For those in authority, exercising patience involves waiting on God's timing, showing restraint in decision-making, and dealing with others with understanding and compassion. Patience allows leaders to build trust, foster unity, and create an environment where growth and healing can occur. It is a reflection of a leader's faith in God's sovereignty and a commitment to serving others with love and humility.

Conclusion

The call to exercise patience is a significant aspect of biblical leadership. It is a quality that reflects the heart of God and the character of Christ, and it is essential for those who are entrusted with authority. Through patience, leaders can effectively guide, nurture, and inspire those they lead, fulfilling their roles with grace and wisdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 18:26
The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 26:3
Especially because I know you to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: why I beseech you to hear me patiently.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Feast of St Timothy, or the Memorial of St Peter
... treat such offenders with more patience, kinder words and ... temptation which befalls
those in authority, by which ... of their labours; wherefore they should ever be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xii on the feast.htm

Sermon for St. Peter's Day
... treat such offenders with more patience, kinder words and ... temptation which befalls
those in authority, by which ... of their labours; wherefore they should ever be ...
/.../xxvi sermon for st peters.htm

Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
... morals, we are to treat with gentleness, kindness and patience. ... lives; and this
regardless of who they are or ... No, the Gospel does not give you authority to say ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fifth sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

On the Fast of the Tenth Month.
... He might both crown the wretched for their patience and the ... in fine under his command
and authority the whole ... they frequent, and in whose company they take rest ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xvi on the fast.htm

The Letter of the Synod, Relative to Its Decisions: and the ...
... the holy Synod has anathematized, having scarcely patience to endure ... honored
fellow-minister, Alexander, so that they shall have no authority to propose ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter ix the letter of the.htm

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
... Illustrated by the authority and example of Christ ... For our thought should then be,
How high the honour which ... at a too exact and rigid patience, they banished it ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of bearing the.htm

Letter cxxxviii. (AD 412. )
... of men, but written with the authority of God ... the tendency even of those precepts
which they are much ... through desire for revenge, we lose patience itself,"a ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxxviii a d 412.htm

The Law of the New Kingdom
... comforted their grief, and with patience and tenderness ... the indignant disciples,
"Ye know that they which are ... and their great ones exercise authority upon them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 60 the law of.htm

Of Special Duties of Religious Persons. ...
... as if they sought occasion of showing their authority and ability ... do seem a little
amiss, wherein they show great ... do, out of a love for patience, silence, and ...
/.../chapter vii of special duties.htm

The Preface
... that man's character be, whose authority is lost ... contendings, orthodox and exemplary
lives, should be copied ... word of their great Lord's patience; they in the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the preface.htm