What Does the Bible Say about Patience?
You may have seen the popular wall poster of a few years, ago, with the words, "Give me patience, and I want it right NOW!" Living in our instant gratification world, patience seems to be in small supply. Yet for people who continually describe themselves as "stressed-out," it might be the most useful quality we could hope for.
Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others -- it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land. Psalm 37:7-9
It is better to be patient than powerful; it is better to have self-control than to conquer a city. Proverbs 16:32
Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can crush strong opposition. Proverbs 25:15
Patience is better than pride. Don't be quick-tempered, for anger is the friend of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:8-9
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. Romans 5:3-4
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. Colossians 1:11-12
Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And a righteous person will live by faith. But I will have no pleasure in anyone who turns away. Hebrews 10:35-38
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. James 1:3-4
If you suffer for doing right and are patient beneath the blows, God is pleased with you. This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:20-21
Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30
The Book of God's Promises—Copyright, 1999 by J. Stephen Lang. All rights reserved, used with permission.
