How Does the Bible Define Patience?

Patience

In our fast-paced, self-focused, results-oriented world, cultivating the fruit of patience safeguards us from being torn apart by the rapid currents of life.

Patience is very important in a Christian’s life. It affects every aspect of our lives—our relationship with God, ourselves, and others, as well as our overall well-being, career, and finances.

Exhibiting the fruit of patience reveals that we trust in God and have yielded ourselves to His direction and timing for our lives. Just as a farmer patiently tends to the soil, sowing seeds and nurturing them through seasons of both rain and drought, so too are we called to cultivate patience in the fields of our own lives (James 5:7-8).

As always, I do not write as someone who has graduated and holds a certificate in patience. No! I write as someone who remains under the tutelage and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and I invite you to learn with me so that we can grow and mature together in patience.

So, join me as we study what the Bible teaches about patience. This is the first in a series of multiple posts, so be sure to come back to read the rest.

How Does the Bible Define Patience?

^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

Patience is much more than merely passing time. It is waiting on God and on His timing and direction with good temperance, even in the midst of adversity.

The Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible defines patience as the “Ability to take a great deal of punishment from evil people or circumstances without losing one’s temper, without becoming irritated and angry, or without taking vengeance. It includes the capacity to bear pain or trials without complaint, the ability to forbear under severe provocation, and the self-control which keeps one from acting rashly even though suffering opposition or adversity.” (1)

The Greek word for patience in Galatians 5:22 is makrothumia, which means patience, forbearance, and longsuffering. [Source]

Depending on the Bible version you are reading, you will find the words endurance, perseverance, and patience are used interchangeably in some verses. For example, in Hebrews 12:1, the NIV uses the word perseverance, the ESV and NLT use endurance, and the KJV uses patience.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 NIV

The Greek word translated as perseverance by the NIV is hupomoné, which means endurance, steadfastness, a patient enduring. [Source]

Below is a word study on patience. Reflect on the listed synonyms and antonyms, as they will help you understand and grasp the meaning and practical implications of patience.

Synonyms	Antonyms
Endurance	Impatience
Perseverance	Agitation
Forbearance	Fretfulness
Long-suffering	Frustration
Constancy	Frenzy
Restraint	Exasperation

Therefore, we can see that there is tremendous power in patience. A person who exhibits patience can persevere through trials, put up with difficult people, and overcome challenges without becoming overwhelmed and falling apart.

Reflect

Is the fruit of patience evident in your life?
What next step would you take after understanding the importance of patience in a Christian’s life?

Prayer

Father, left on my own, I am incapable of developing and cultivating patience in my life. Please forgive me for the many times I have gone ahead of You to say and do things of my own accord. Strengthen me and help me through Your Spirit to walk in love, joy, and peace as I yield to Your timing and direction for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Join me next time as I discuss the “Immense Patience of God.”

Until next time…

Chizobam Idahosa

Reference:

Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Patience. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1619). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

Footnotes

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

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