The Bible clearly teaches us that we should exercise patience in our life. Some of the Bible facts regarding this subject will be the study for this issue. The Bible texts are always the best teacher with regard to subjects that God would have His people to imbibe in their life here; please note the following references …
PATIENCE
In the New Testament hupomone carries in it the ideas of endurance, continuance (Luke 8:15; 21:19; Romans 5:3-4, the American Standard Revised Version”stedfastness”; 8:25, etc.).
In all places the American Revised Version margin has “steadfastness,” except James 5:11, where it has “endurance”; makrothumia is translated “patience” (Hebrews 6:12; James 5:10); makrothumeo, “to bear long” (Matthew 18:26,29; James 5:7; See LONGSUFFERING ); the same verb is translated “be patient”
(1 Thess. 5:14, the Revised Version (British and American) “longsuffering”; James 5:7-8, the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) “patient”); makrothumos, “patiently” (Acts 26:3); hupomeno (1 Peter 2:20); anexikakos is translated “patient” (2 Timothy 2:4, the Revised Version (British and American), the King James Version margin, “forbearing”); epieikes, “gentle” (1 Timothy 3:3, the Revised Version (British and American) “gentle”); hupomeno (Romans 12:12, “patient in tribulation”). For “the patient waiting for Christ” (2 Thessalonians 3:5), the Revised Version (British and American) has “the patience of Christ.”
Patience is often hard to gain and to maintain, but, in Romans 15:5, God is called “the God of patience” (the American Revised Version margin “steadfastness”) as being able to grant that grace to those who look to Him and depend on Him for it. It is in reliance on God and acceptance of His will, with trust in His goodness, wisdom and faithfulness, that we are enabled to endure and to hope steadfastly. See also GOD.
(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Electronic Database Copyright © 1996, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
From the ISBE we see that the word is used in several ways in the New Testament but we also understand that this is a quality that each person develops which enables them to maintain steadfastness “{i.e. faithfulness} in the Lords service.
Two Examples …
1-The parable of the good seed and the …
Luke 8:14-15 – 14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. KJV
2-The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple …
Luke 21:16-19 – 16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. 18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19 In your patience possess ye your souls. KJV
The Apostle Paul gives us an understandable picture of patience in his writings; note the following …
Romans 5:3-4
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience , experience; and experience, hope: KJV
Romans 8:25
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. KJV
Hebrews 6:12
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. KJV
Hebrews 10:36-39
36 For ye have need of patience , that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. KJV
Indeed, we must exercise patience in our life for Christ in this world; it is always good to remember that we are beset with trials and temptations many times during our life. Even so we must be faithful with patience.