Enduring Patience
Why is Patience one of the attributes of God and a part of the Fruit of the Spirit? Patience manifests the residence of the Holy Spirit living within us. It is a desired quality we want in those we have dealings with whom we have dealings, but so difficult to attain.
I found articles about the ‘how to’s’ of achieving patience. I chose the one with five how to’s. Included were to count to ten and take deep breaths, meditate or walk and be grateful. Also, another is seeing another’s point of view or ask questions with an unclenched fist and mind. I am sure there is a ‘test’ to determine the level of patience a person possesses as well. I am sure in the heat of the moment, we can whip out the list and follow it. As I read these ‘helpful’ steps to patience, I realized that one eternal source is by-passed. Why not go to the Author of Patience?
Patience is an Attribute of God himself, so why not study His Word to learn about God’s patience? The Old Testament is filled with testimonies to God’s patience and kindnesses with his chosen people who often tried his patience. The Holy Spirit is a gift from Jesus and lives within us as a Guide and Teacher. An outgrowth of living with the Holy Spirit is Patience. It is a mark of someone who understands the love of God and His patience with His people who often rebel and turn their backs. Some proclaim themselves more intelligent than the Creator who created the wonders of our earth and universe.
The Creator is the Author of Love, who loves us and chose us to live holy lives and serve and praise Him even before He created us in His image. He loved us before He created this earth. What does it take to know this Creator of all life? It takes a humble spirit and willingness to worship Him alone. Listening to His Voice alone!
Last Lord’s Day, the lyrics from the song, 10,000 Reasons (Matt Redman) reminded me of the glory of God…. And on that day when my strength is failing/ The end draws near and my time has come. Still, my soul will sing your praise unending/ Ten thousand years and then forevermore. Bless the Lord, Oh, my soul, worship His Holy Name. Sing like never before, oh my soul, I’ll worship your Holy Name. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E
Patience is…
– –Holding God’s Hand and seeing His will and His way.
– –A moment by moment, enduring way of living.
– –Knowing Jesus Christ alone holds all our tomorrow that lead us to life eternal.
– –Breathing in the fresh air of His Word day by day.
– –Living with, in, and for the Way and the Truth, Jesus provides for us.
– –Unbreakable and enduring power of Jesus that makes our lives count!
– –Waiting with anticipation and joy for the second coming of Jesus!!!
– –Seeing opportunities to serve others with the Gentleness and Kindness in His Name.
– –Learning to see beyond today and choose to live in the way of Jesus alone.
– –Accepting trials as readiness moments of Joy.
My Favorite Verses Teaching Patience…
–Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones. Proverbs 25:15
-May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5
-We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. I Corinthians 6:6
-But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23
-We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, Colossians 1:11
-Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12
-But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. I Timothy 1:16
-But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 2 Timothy 3:10
-Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. James 5:7
-For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. James 5:10
-And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—2 Peter 3:15
Other Scriptures Attesting to Patience or Longsuffering of God
–Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4
–With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, Ephesians 4:2
–The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
-The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. Psalm 103:8
–He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29
-A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. Proverbs 15:18
-So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
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