Matters of Faith: The Attribute of Patience

Rev. J_Loren RussellTHE ATTRIBUTE OF PATIENCE

by: Rev. J. Loren Russell, BA, MDiv.

 

‭‭James‬ ‭1:2-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

 

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

 

Ever since I began to earnestly studying the Bible, I have contended that every human condition and/or experience can be found in the Bible. It has been my contention that much of the suffering we endure is not necessary. I firmly believe we suffer more than necessary simply because we fail to look to the creator of life for His instruction in every area of our lives. He gave us an owner’s manual. In it, you will find the answers to your most perplexing questions, your most sever dilemmas, your most pressing matters, your deepest and saddest moments, and you will also find the source of your joy when you are at your highest highs. Many of the missteps we make in times of joy and in times of sorrow, is due to our inability or unwillingness to engage our instruction manual.

 

Farley’s Dictionary defines patience as a noun and in this manner;

  1. tolerant and even-tempered perseverance
  2. the capacity for calmly enduring pain, trying situations, etc.

 

When one has the quality of patience, you are able to stand in and through the storms and the vicissitudes of life. You can endure and show patience because you have been perfected. Being perfected does not mean that one is perfect. It means that you have learned through your experiences and the experiences of others that your faith will see you through.

 

I went to a store to return cell phone. The store has a no refund policy, but there were some mitigating circumstance that I felt negated that policy. Because the counter clerk was not authorized to issue refunds, I waited an hour and a half for the owner to arrive.  The owner was reluctant to issue the refund, but I patiently explained the situation to him, and he slowly agreed to refund the purchase price at 100%.

 

In scripture, patience is associated with some pretty remarkable rewards:

  • A better end than your present – Romans 2:6-7: “ who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;”
  • A way to win God’s approval – 1 Peter 2:20: For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.”
  • A good example for others – 2 Thessalonians 1:4: “so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure.”
  • A way to perfect our character – James 1:4:  “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
  • A source of hope – Romans 15:4: For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”  
  • A location that positions us to inherit all the promises made by God – Hebrews 6:11-12:  “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

 

When you exercise patience, yelling and screaming is not necessary. Arguing and fighting is not necessary. Patience reveals a person who is open-minded and has an even-tempered determination. You don’t have to fight because you realize that the battle is not yours. It belongs to the Lord.

 

God Bless 

Rev. J. Loren Russell, BS, MDiv is President/CEO of The JLR Company, and an associate minister at both Goodwill and Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio (internet), Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. http://tobtr.com/s/7436671, or by phone at 626-226-1448.  

 

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