Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting. – Joyce Meyer

The definition of patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.

The bible dictionary defines patience as the following:

1. The suffering of afflictions, pain, toil, calamity, provocation or other evil, with a calm, unruffled temper; endurance without murmuring or fretfulness. Patience may spring from constitutional fortitude, from a kind of heroic pride, or from Christian submission to the divine will.

2. A calm temper which bears evils without murmuring or discontent.

3. The act or quality of waiting long for justice or expected good without discontent.

4. Perseverance; constancy in labor or exertion.

5. The quality of bearing offenses and injuries without anger or revenge.

Psalm 37:7-9 tells us, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.”

Why is it so important for us to be patient?  Patience is reiterated often in the bible, why does God seem to stress the act of patience?  Because patience is a virtue!!  2 Peter 1:5 tells us, “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,”  

Lets define virtue.  According to the bible dictionary, Virtue is behavior showing high moral standards.  Moral goodness; the practice of moral duties and the abstaining from vice, or a conformity of life and conversation to the moral law.

In this sense, virtue may be, and in many instances must be, distinguished from religion. The practice of moral duties merely from motives of convenience, or from compulsion, or from regard to reputation, is virtue, as distinct from religion. The practice of moral duties from sincere love to God and his laws, is virtue and religion. 

In Galatians 5:22 we read of the fruits of the Spirit.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” 

What is Gods Word telling us?  By living a life of virtue…we adopt the fruits of the spirit.  Philippians 4:8 tells us, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

So not only is patience a behavior but it is a part of our moral fabric.  It is the defining member of how God commands us to live our lives.  It is out thoughts…it is our actions…it is our way of life…it is our Christian dignity!!

Colossians 1:10 tells us, “So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”  We are representing Christ in every manner of life.  We want to bring honor to God in all that we think, say and do!  What is your character while in you season of waiting.  Are you allowing patience to have her good work in you?  

Meditation verse – James 5:7-11 “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.”

Blessings!!

Keishana