The Greekword used for “patience” in James 1:3,4 (and in most of the New Testament) is a word that means hopeful endurance or constancy. The root of this term is fromtwo Greek words meaning: “to stay under, i.e. remain; … bear (trials), have fortitude,persevere”. Needless to say, this is not a familiar or popular concept in our “have-it-now” and “have-it-your-way” culture today!
But in the midst of trials and perplexing circumstances, you and I are told be patient, not panic (James 5:1-11). Patience is not a passive resignation to bitter or hardcircumstances, but a determination to draw closer to our Lord Jesus Christ (James 4:8a) and trust in His wisdom and care for us (1 Peter 5:7). Patience means that Irecognize that God is in control of my life (Psalm 31:15a) and His universe (Hebrews 1:3). Patience with what God is doing (Philippians 2:13) and how He is doing itprevents me from taking matters into my own hands or leaning upon my ability to work things out via human ingenuity (Proverbs 3:5-6). Patience and faith are twin virtues of spiritual development (Hebrews 6:12), and patience is meant to affect our relationships with one another. “Now may the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 15:5)
When Jesus gave His last days discourse, as recorded in Luke’s gospel, the exhortation to us is: “by your patience possess your souls” (Luke 21:19). Again, James told the saints that one of the purposes of trials in our lives is to develop patience (James 1:2-4).Paul wrote to the saints in Rome that patience develops experience(or character - Romans 5:4). Peter tells us that one of the things that must be added to our faith is patience (2 Peter 1:5,6). The writer to Hebrews tells us that we are to run the race of following Christ with patience (Hebrews 12:1). Thus it is crystal clear that patience is indeed a key ingredient in Spirit-filled, fruit-bearing living.
