The Patience Test

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:07 — 26.9MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | TuneIn | RSS

James 5:11 – James refers here to Job as being a “patient man.” When we think of Jobs patience and our own patience, where do we feel like we stack up? Have you heard of the patience of {insert your name here}?

“Exercise patience, kindness and forbearance…” This is part of the marriage vows. These three things are very closely tied together.

Colossians 1:9-14 – Paul prayed for his readers that they would be patient and long suffering. It is difficult to distinguish clearly between these two words.

1 Timothy 1:16-17, 1 Peter 3:20 – God’s patience towards us is something that we should appreciate. God desires that kind of patience in us, towards others and towards our circumstances.

Ephesians 4:1 – If you aren’t as patient as you want to be, and if you don’t measure up to the patience that God wants you to have… take heart! There is hope. God wants to help you become patient!

What Does Patience Involve?

1. 1 Corinthians 13 – Patience involves love.
2. Ephesians 4:2 – Patience involves humility.
3. Patience involves meekness.
4. 2 Peter 3:9 – Patience involves mercy.
5. Matthew 18:21-35 – Patience involves forgiveness.
6. Patience will be needed/necessary until Christ returns James 5:7-11.
7. Patience involves hope.

Easy Steps to Being More Patient

We want to develop more of the spiritual fruit of patience. Several things that we can think about and work on.

1. Recognize that patience is part of the person that God wants his children to be. Patience is part of holiness.
2. Establish and strengthen your hearts. Galatians 5:22 – Love, joy, peace, long suffering… Read God’s word, read it carefully, pray about it, pray about patience, ask for the fruit that God wants to bring forth in your heart.
3. Commit yourself to patience. A promise before God.
4. Practice not complaining about others. Complaining puts the focus on the problem rather than our need to be patient. Complaining stirs impatience and aggravation.
5. Follow mature Bible people and the way that they approached things. See how they responded to discouragement.
6. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Be patient… don’t just hold your tongue. Connect with God and ask him to help you.

When we do become impatient, confess to God. Ask forgiveness if you need to. It is all part of practicing and becoming better at patience.