the bible and patience

1. Psalm 40:1

"I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry."

Psalm 40:1 encapsulates a profound truth: waiting patiently on the Lord yields a response. The psalmist recounts a period of patient anticipation, and in due course, God inclined His ear and attended to the supplication.

You know those times when you're really hoping for something, maybe a solution to a problem or just a bit of peace? Well, this verse suggests that when we're patient, giving things time and trusting that God's got our back, things tend to work out.

It's like saying, "Hey, God, I'm trusting you with this, and I'm going to be patient." And then, wow! It's like God leans in and says, "I got you."

So, when life gets a bit overwhelming, take a breath, wait patiently, and know that a God who is NOT impersonal and aloof cares and will respond in a way that He deems best.

2. II Corinthians 6:4-6

"But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love."

This passage from 2 Corinthians includes what you might say is a job description for being a servant of God. It lists all the character qualities people of God must possess  when going through tough times and dealing with all sorts of challenges. Of course, as the passage makes clear, we must rely on God's Holy Spirit.

It's a bit like saying, "Hey, being on God's team requires a lot, but here's the playbook: patience in the hard moments, facing challenges head-on, and doing it all with a good heart. Whether it's a tough day, sleepless nights, or going without food, they're saying, 'We're sticking to it.' And it's not just about enduring; it's persevering with

• a pure heart, 
• wisdom, 
• patience, 
• kindness, and 
• genuine love – 
• basically, being good representatives of the God we serve. 

3. Luke 21:19 

"By your patience possess your souls."

So, in Luke, there's this short but powerful line that says by being patient, you actually own your soul. It's like patience is the key to keeping it all together.

Other translations in relation to the word patience include the phrases:

• Holding fast
• Standing firm
• Patient endurance

Then the benefits to your soul involve:

• Saving your lives
• Gaining your soul
• Keeping your life

Think of it as a life hack. When things get crazy and you're feeling all over the place, patience steps in and says, "Hold on, let's keep it together." It's not just about waiting; it's about having this inner calm that helps you navigate through whatever comes your way. So, next time life throws a curve ball, take a breath, be patient, and own that inner peace – that's your soul, after all.

4. Romans 12:12

"Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;"

Alright, so in Romans, there's this golden nugget of advice. It's like a three-step guide for life. First, find joy in hope; second, keep your cool in tough times; and third, always keep the communication line open with a steadfast prayer routine.

Think of it as a recipe for resilience. When life gets tough, find something to be hopeful about. Then, in the midst of challenges, stay patient – don't let stress take over. And the secret sauce? Prayer. It's not just a last resort; it's a constant companion. So, rejoice, be patient, and keep the conversation with the Lord flowing. It's like a road map for navigating life's ups and downs with grace.

5. James 5:7-8

"Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

So, imagine you're having a chat with a friend about this passage. It's like this:

"Picture this: the writer is telling us to be patient, just like a farmer eagerly waiting for the crops to grow. You know how a farmer doesn't rush things but waits for the right time, especially for that early and latter rain? Well, we're asked to be patient too. It's about steadying our hearts, keeping the faith, because guess what? The big event, the coming of the Lord, is just around the corner! So, in the waiting game of life, let's keep our hearts in check, knowing that something incredible is on the horizon."

6. Galatians 5:22-23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

Peace is like that calm after a storm, that serene feeling when everything just falls into place. Imagine a quiet moment with a good book or a walk in the park.

Now, longsuffering is a bit like patience on steroids. It's the deep breath you take when things aren't going your way but you're determined to tough it out.

Kindness is the simple act of making someone's day. It's like holding the door for someone or lending a hand when they need it.

Goodness is doing the right thing even when no one's watching. It's like returning the extra change the cashier gave you by mistake.

Faithfulness is sticking with your friends through thick and thin. It's being there for them, no matter what.

Gentleness is using your strength to help, not hurt. Imagine you're helping a little kid tie their shoelaces for the first time. Now, you could easily yank those laces and get it done quickly, but being gentle is the way to go. It's that patient, careful touch, almost like you're handling something fragile. You guide the laces through, making sure not to tug too hard. It's a small act, but it shows how gentleness is about using your strength to help without being forceful, as in squeezing someone's hand too hard in a handshake (some might have some sort of physical ailment). Just like tying shoelaces with a gentle touch, it's a moment of kindness and patience, making things a bit easier for someone else."

Lastly, we've got self-control – the ability to resist that second slice of cake or not hitting the snooze button in the morning.

So, these fruits? They're like the good stuff that grows in us when we're connected to something greater. And the cool part? There's no rule against having too much of them. It's like the more, the merrier!"

7. Hebrews 6:12

"that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Hebrews 6:12 is like a little pep talk from the Bible. It's saying, 'Hey, be patient! Look at those folks who, through faith and patience, received what God promised.' It's like cheering us on, reminding us that the good stuff comes to those who hang in there, keep the faith, and stay patient. So, when life gets a bit tough, it's like a friendly nudge saying, God's got this! Just keep going, and the promises will come.'"

Picture this: You're on this exciting journey, and at the end of it, there's a treasure trove of promises waiting for you. Now, the temptation might be to rush through it, right? To sprint towards the finish line.

But, hold on a sec. Hebrews 6:12 gives us a different game plan. It says, 'Don't get all sluggish, but rather, look at those seasoned champions who, through faith and patience, cashed in on all the promises God had for them.'

Imagine these champions as marathon runners. They didn't sprint; they paced themselves. Patiently, step by step, they covered the ground. It's like they understood that the best things, the promises, they unfold over time.

So, here's the sweet nugget of wisdom: Patience is your superpower on this journey. Sure, there might be detours and uphill climbs, but the promises are worth the wait. Find inspiration in those who patiently pressed on, and do likewise.

Don't be in a hurry to flip to the last page of the story; relish each chapter. The promises are woven into the fabric of your journey, and patience is the key to unlocking them. So, lace up your shoes, embrace the pace, and savor the journey. Patience wins the race, my friend!"

So, who are these "seasoned champions" of the faith in connection with the Bible and patience? 

1. Abraham - Reference: Genesis 12:1-4, Genesis 21:1-7 -Abraham waited for years for the promised son, Isaac, demonstrating remarkable faith and patience.
2. Joseph - Reference: Genesis 37-50--Joseph endured various trials, including betrayal by his brothers and imprisonment, but he remained faithful to God's plan, ultimately rising to a position of great influence in Egypt.
3. Moses - Reference: Exodus 2-40--Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years, facing numerous challenges, yet he patiently followed God's guidance.
4. Job - Reference: Book of Job--Job experienced immense suffering but held onto his faith, displaying extraordinary patience in the midst of trials.
5. David - Reference: 1 Samuel 16-2 Samuel 12--David waited for years between being anointed as king and actually reigning, facing many difficulties, yet he trusted in God's timing.

These biblical characters endured hardships, setbacks, and long waiting periods with unwavering faith and patience. They serve as inspiring examples for us to imitate, as suggested in Hebrews 6:12.

8. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

So Corinthians paints this beautiful picture of love, and guess what? Patience is right there in the mix. Love isn't just flowers and chocolates; it's this patient, enduring force. It's about being kind even when things are tough, not getting all jealous, and definitely not showing off.

Love doesn't act rudely; it's not all about 'me, me, me.' And get this, it doesn't keep score of wrongs. Imagine having that kind of patience, where you're not easily annoyed, and you don't hold grudges. Love cheers for the truth, not for the mess-ups. It's like being a constant support, believing in the good, hoping for the best, and enduring through all the ups and downs.

So, when you think of love, think of it as this patient, resilient force that sticks around, no matter what."

9. Colossians 3:12-13

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do."

One paraphrase of Colossians 3:12-13 basically says, 'Hey, you're chosen by God, loved and set apart. So, here's the fashion advice for your soul: clothe yourself in a beautiful ensemble of:

• tender mercies, 
• kindness, 
• humility, 
• meekness, 
• and, drumroll please... patience!

Think of patience as the elegant centerpiece, the fabric that weaves through every other virtue. It's the timeless piece that never goes out of style, always relevant, always in demand. Imagine a luxurious coat of patience, draped over your interactions, smoothing out the wrinkles of frustration and smoothing the way for understanding.

But it's not just about looking good; it's about how you interact with others. The verse goes on to say, 'Bear with one another, and forgive just as Christ forgave you.' Now, that's where patience shines the brightest. It's the thread that stitches together understanding, endurance, and forgiveness.

Picture this: Someone might test your patience, but instead of getting all worked up, you stay cool, calm, and collected. Why? Because you're dressed in the finest patience threads. And forgiveness? It's not just a one-time accessory; it's a signature piece that defines your entire ensemble.

And here's the best part: it's not just a designer that gives this fashion advice, the creator gives this wisdom. The One who is infinitely patient with you expects you to display that patience with others. Patience is not just a virtue; it's a statement, a reflection of the enduring love Christ has expressed to you.

10. Psalm 37:7

"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass."

So, here's a nugget of wisdom from Psalm 37:7: It says, "Hey, take a breather and chill in the Lord's presence. Don't stress out over folks who seem to be doing well by not-so-honorable means."

Think of it like a cozy day on the couch with your favorite blanket. It's saying, 'Relax, let God take the lead.' But here's the kicker: it adds a little note about not getting all worked up about people who seem to be succeeding through shady dealings. No need to lose your cool over someone else's questionable wins.

Imagine it this way: life's a journey, right? Sometimes, it feels like everyone's sprinting ahead. But this verse is like a friendly reminder to take a leisurely stroll, hand in hand with the One who's got your back.

Patience is the name of the game here. It's about trusting God's timing and not letting the success or schemes of others ruffle your feathers. Picture patience as your secret superpower, the calm in the midst of life's storms.

So, here's the takeaway: Embrace a little 'me time' with the Lord, let the Bible and patience be your guide, and don't let the success or shadiness of others steal your peace. Your journey is uniquely yours, and there's a divine pace to it. So, breathe in, relax, and walk in patience.

These verses on highlight the importance of patience in various aspects of life and in our relationship with God.

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For more about Christian virtues, go to this link:

https://www.encouragementscriptures.com/Bible-verse-about-virtue.html

For three steps to persevering in your journey as a Christian--based on 10 encouragement Scriptures related to that topic, check out this page:

https://www.encouragementscriptures.com/Bible-verses-on-perseverance.html

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