
Theology of Patience
Patience is difficult in our world of innovation and technology that has made it possible to do almost anything in a matter of seconds. We want to be instantly transformed spiritually too. Remember: Fruit does not grow overnight.
Our day-to-day struggles with patience are linked to time and a want to control, a belief
that my time is my own and you are wasting it.
Common Beliefs About Patience
1. Patience is NOT infinite
2. Patience is quantifiable
3. Patience is varied by individual, some people just have a lot or a little
4. Patience is only needed in certain circumstances or with certain people
We believe that patience is simply a delay in getting what we want, or not complaining while we wait in uncomfortable circumstances. Patience actually means long suffering or forbearance.
Why did Paul teach the early church about patience?
Early church struggled with:
1. Critical spirit (over laws and customs)
2. Bitterness
3. Superiority (tensions between cultures Jews, Gentiles, Romans)
4. Pride
Paul connects patience with the concept of “bearing with” others and a need for unity.
Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT)
4 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
Colossians 3:12-13 (NLT)
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NLT)
14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
Paul was an example of a patient man, his passion (get er done spirit) was tempered with patience.
Biblical Truth about Patience
Patience in older translations of the Bible is “long suffering” - having a “long temper” would be the word closest to the Greek meaning of patience as used by Paul in Galatians.
James 5:10-11 (NLT)
10 For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
“Patient” refers to the character trait and a person under the care of a health professional. Anyone suffering patiently was a “patient” - what “being patient” and “being A patient” have in common: both require that a person come to terms with yielding control to another.
“God’s very act of creation itself manifests God’s willingness to yield control. By creating that which was other than God, God created the space for the creation to go its own way. God doesn’t coerce us, doesn’t force our hand, but instead waits patiently for us to respond to God’s initiatives in reaching out to us.” -Philip D. Kenneson
It’s about forgoing short-term control in service of long-term purposes.
Three take-aways for how to yield this week:
1. Owning our faults and our frailty- true patience is rooted in our knowledge of ourselves as redeemed sinners (Romans 5:8)
2. Consider others above ourselves - must deal with others out of humility rather than pride (Ephesians 4:1-3; Colossians 3:12-13)
3. Remind yourself: I am not in control