The preachers quoted here describe patience as quiet waiting on God when answers are delayed, and as a meek acceptance of his ordering of life. They trace it to faith, as impatience comes from unbelief, and point to God's own patience in holding back judgment.
The English Bible uses "patience" for two Greek words. Hupomone is endurance, remaining under a load;1 makrothumia is longsuffering, being slow to anger.2 The first is patience with circumstances and the second patience with people.
Patience begins with God. He is "the God of patience and consolation" (Romans 15:5). His delay in judging is mercy: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9). Paul warns against despising "the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering" (Romans 2:4).
In believers it is produced by trial. "The trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:3-4). "Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). It cannot be had without the difficulty that calls for it.
It is also waiting. "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry" (Psalm 40:1). "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him" (37:7). James points to the farmer who "waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth" and to "the patience of Job" (James 5:7, 11). John Gill's chapter on the subject lists the occasions that exercise it; for example, "Patience is exercised when answers of prayer are deferred, and it lies in a quiet waiting for them."3
Scripture ties it to faith and hope. Believers are to be "followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Hebrews 6:12). "Ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise" (10:36). They are to "run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus" (12:1-2).
Longsuffering is listed in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and Paul prays that believers will be strengthened "unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Colossians 1:11). Christian patience is therefore not grim resignation. It is the settled confidence that God is good and his timing right.
- Strong's Greek 5281, hypomonḗ: "cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy".
- Strong's Greek 3115, makrothymía: "longanimity, i.e. (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude".
- John Gill, "Of Patience" (sermon).
In their own words
Each line below is quoted exactly from a sermon on this site. Follow the link to hear or read it where it was said.
Patience is exercised when answers of prayer are deferred, and it lies in a quiet waiting for them.
John Gill
in Of Patience.
Read in context
And patience is the fruit of faith and impatience is the fruit of unbelief.
John Piper
in Battling the Unbelief of Impatience
Listen at 6:25
Patience is a serene meekness and resignation that does not fight back or fight against God's ordering of my life.
Denny Kenaston
in (Youth Bible School 2007) by Faith Possess Patience, Godliness, and Love
Listen at 17:09
Patience is expressive of the generous goodness of God in which he has called a temporary truce before the final execution of his justice and his judgment at the last day.
J. Glyn Owen
in Patience of God
Listen at 13:27
Patience is the result of making wise decisions that correspond with God's word.
Shane Idleman
in What Is 'Trying Your Patience'? (James Pt. 11)
Listen at 14:44
What Scripture says
- James 1:3-4 the trying of your faith works patience
- Romans 5:3-4 tribulation works patience; and patience, experience
- Hebrews 10:36 you have need of patience
- Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD
- 2 Peter 3:9 the Lord is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish
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