We Need It: Patience

Patience is a fruit of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). 

 

We don’t need patience when everything is going smoothly and on schedule. It’s the hard things in life that require it. 

 

Let's understand these important truths about patience:

 

1. We gain it by persevering in times of testing (Romans 5:2-4). It's the hard parts of life that teach us not to “become weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). 

 

2. We develop it by taking anxious thoughts to the Lord in prayer (Philippians 4:6).

 

3. Patience teaches us to "wait" (Romans 8:25; James 5:7-8).

4. It's essential for healthy relationships, especially when teaching God's Word (2 Timothy 4:2) or dealing with those who are immature (1 Thessalonians 5:14). 

 

5. In conversations it involves listening carefully, speaking wisely, and not getting easily annoyed (James 1:19-20).

 

6. It keeps us from giving up when the bad guys seem to win (Psalm 37:7-9).  

 

7. We learn from the examples in Scripture, both good and bad examples (Romans 15:4-6).  

 

So let's seek God's power and wisdom so we can be “patient in affliction” (Romans 12:12). Only then can we soar above our problems with renewed strength (Isaiah 40:31). 

💙Beyond 1-minute for those who want more:

Please read through these passages about patience and ask God to help you become more patient in His strength.

 

Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." 

Romans 5:2-4: "we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."  

 

Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." 

 

Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." 

 

Romans 8:25: "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."  

 

James 5:7-8: "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near."  

2 Timothy 4:2: "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction."

 

1 Thessalonians 5:14: "we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 

 

James 1:19-20: "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."   

 

Psalm 37:7-9: "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land."

Romans 15:4-6: "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."  

Romans 12:12: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

 

Isaiah 40:31: "Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

 

Below are some additional passages not directly addressed in the devotion:

 

Hebrews 10:36: "Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised."  

 

Ephesians 4:1-3: "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." 

 

1 Corinthians 13:4: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."  

 

Colossians 3:12: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  

Bible Love Notes