The Bible says that
christians are to be people of patience (2 Timothy 2:24; 1 Thessalonians
5:14; James 5:7-8; Romans 2:7; 12:12). This is so because God has had
such great patience with mankind (Matthew 18:26-29; 1 Peter 3:20-21).
With God patience is often called "longsuffering," (Exodus 34:6; Numbers
14:18; Psalm 86:15; Romans 2:4). This is one of the attributes the
Spirit produces in christians (Galatians 5:22-23).
Longsuffering carries
with it the idea of patience coupled with suffering. Christians are to
endure hardship and be patient for the coming of the Lord (Ephesians
4:2; Colossians 1:11; 3:12). The Bible says that patience is necessary
because God does not tie Himself to our schedule, or to anybody's
schedule, of doing things (2 Peter 3:8-9).
In Luke
21:19 the Bible says, "In your [patience] possess your souls." The idea
that "good things come to those who wait," is very biblical (Psalm
27:14; Lamentations 3:25-26; Romans 8:25). In Romans 2:7 the Bible says
that the christian's reward for a life of service will be, "eternal life
to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek
for glory, honor, and immortality..."
In James 5:7-8 the
Bible says, "Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the
Lord. See <how> the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth,
waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
{8} You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the
Lord is at hand." Just as the farmer waits for the fruition of his crop
the christian waits for the fruit of his/her labor to come to fruition
at the Second Coming of the Lord.
In James 1:1-4, the
Bible says that tribulation and trial bring patience. This theme is
repeatedly taught in the Word of God (Romans 12:12; 1 Corinthians 13:4;
Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Peter 2:19-20; Hebrews 10:36). If we
develop patience through trials and hardship our faith in God is prone
to remain strong (2 Peter 1:5-11). The Lord has given us countless
examples of this in Bible characters like Job, Moses, David, Paul and
the church at Thessalonica (Job 1:21; James 5:11; Exodus 16:7-8; Psalm
40:1; 2 Timothy 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:3). If we follow these examples
we will become more patient people in the Lord.