Becoming Like Jesus: The Patience Of Christ

APPLICATION ARTICLE | Don McClain | Bryant, Arkansas

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience off Christ. (2 Thessalonians 3:5, NKJV)

Introduction

“Patience Paw Paw, patience!” These words came from the backseat of our Buick Enclave not too long ago. My granddaughter gave me one of those real life, “out of the mouth of babes” experiences. Yes, I have been known to complain about how others drive. Why are so many people compelled to drive like sloths when I am in a hurry? And what is so complicated about blinkers (or directionals, according to some)? They are installed on vehicles for a reason – please use them properly. Please note, this is coming from a person who has to be told repeatedly, “Honey, your blinker is still on,” five or six miles down the road from when I turned it on (Ecclesiastes 7:21–22).

Patience is a recurring theme throughout the Bible and is a virtue many of us struggle with. Patience is portrayed as both a divine attribute and a virtue that God calls His people to embody. In a fast-paced world where instant gratification often reigns, the biblical teaching on patience stands as a countercultural invitation to trust in God’s way, promises, provisions, and timing. Patience can be understood as the ability to endure difficult circumstances, the capacity to wait for God’s timing, and the grace to bear with others’ weaknesses. It is often intertwined with concepts of perseverance, endurance, and long-suffering.

As we are being conformed into Christ’s character and teaching (Matthew 16:24–27; Philippians 2:5; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 3:18), and as we focus on His example, we are enabled through faith to patiently endure trials, more consistently resist temptation, overcome obstacles, and successfully strengthen our brethren (cf. Hebrews 12:1,2; James 1:2-16; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 15:58).

God Is Patient With Us

The Bible presents God Himself as the ultimate exemplar of patience. In the Old Testament, God is described as “slow to anger” (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 86:15). For instance, in the story of Noah, God delays judgment on a corrupt world, giving people time to repent (Genesis 6:3). Similarly, in the New Testament, 2 Peter 3:9 declares,

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

God’s patience reflects His mercy and love, offering humanity opportunities for redemption rather than immediate punishment (cf. Romans 2:4).

This divine patience sets the stage for understanding patience as a virtue for believers. If God, who is perfect and just, exercises patience with imperfect humanity, how much more are His followers called to emulate this quality in their own lives? (Ephesians 5:1)

Patience: A Fruit Of The Spirit

In Galatians 5:22-23, patience is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

The term “long-suffering” (makrothymia) suggests a patient attitude toward others, even in the face of provocation. This patience is not a common human trait but a characteristic cultivated by humbly “walking in the Spirit” (v. 16), i.e., allowing the Spirit to lead us through His revelation. (v. 18; cf. Romans 8:2,14).

The Bible, being inspired by the Holy Spirit, instills within the believer a divinely authored, spiritual perspective. This “wisdom from above” (James 1:5-7; 3:15-18) equips the believer to see this world, and our lives in it, for what they really are. This world is not our home; we are but pilgrims, and our treasures, affections, and longings are to be focussed upon heavenly, spiritual, and eternal things (Matthew 6:19-24; Hebrews 11:13-16). Such reflects Christ’s patience as He endured the cross “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2).

Patience: Faith To Endure Trials

James 1:2-4 offers a profound perspective:

“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.”

The Greek word translated as “patience” here (hypomonē) carries the idea of enduring under pressure. Trials, though difficult, are a refining fire that develops patience, leading to spiritual maturity (cf. 1 Peter 1:6-9). This point is also emphasized by Paul,

“but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope,” (Romans 5:3-4).

We have a long list of Biblical heroes, illustrating the great reward of such patience, (Hebrews 11:1-12:2; James 5:10). The story of Job exemplifies this, as he endured immense suffering yet remained steadfast in his trust in God (Job 13:15).

“Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful,” (James 5:11).

Patience: Persevering In Hope

Patience reflects eschatological hope—the expectation of Christ’s return and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. Romans 8:25 says, “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” This forward-looking patience sustains believers through present struggles, anchoring them in the certainty of future glory (Romans 5:3-5). So, patience involves actively waiting on God’s promises, rather than falling for Satan’s offer of immediate pseudo satisfaction, (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:5; 1 John 2:15-17; Psalm 27:14). This hope stands upon our faith, (Hebrews 11:1).

Patience: Love Suffers Long

Christians are called to forbear with others’ flaws as God forbears with ours. Jesus modeled this in His interactions with His disciples, patiently teaching them despite their frequent misunderstandings (e.g., Mark 8:17-21). Consider the following directives given by the apostle Paul:

• “Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:12-14).
• “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
• “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14,15).

Patience is genuine love in action. In 1 Corinthians 13:4, Paul begins by stating, “Love is patient.” This suggests that patience is not merely passive endurance but an active, loving choice to prioritize others’ well-being over personal frustration or convenience. It mirrors God’s patient love for humanity and becomes a tangible expression of the gospel in a believer’s life. We will be much more inclined to work patiently through disagreements and conflicts if we have genuine love for one another! This applies to parenting, our marriages, local churches, and to all of in our dealings with everyone we come in contact with.

Growing In Patience

The negative and destructive impact of impatience abounds in this sin-cursed world. Below are a few signs that we need more patience:

• Are we easily angered, even over insignificant things, and often lose control over our actions or tongues? Do we say and do hurtful things, and are we quick to blame others? Do we tend to fret and worry about things over which we have no control?
• People who are impatient become members of the “throw away” generation, prematurely discarding relationships, people, jobs, education, churches, etc., because things are not changing as quickly or as thoroughly as they desire. Are we typically unsettled, discontent, and unhappy? Do we tend to ignore the positive gains we and others have made, focusing on what has not yet been accomplished?
• We become pessimistic and fail to count our blessings. Expecting to see immediate results, we burn ourselves out and neglect other important things. Do we become discouraged when our goals are not instantly realized? Do we lose the ability to take a large goal and break it down into manageable increments? Are we easily overwhelmed by the large tasks ahead of us and lose the hope and motivation to keep on trying.

Most of us recognize the virtue of, and our need for patience. And it sure would be great if acquiring patience was as simple and easy as microwave popcorn — but it isn’t. Richard Cecil said “God’s way of answering the Christian’s prayer for more patience, experience, hope and love often is to put him into the furnace of affliction.” Building strength in the physical body requires hard work, pain, time, and diligence. Likewise, building spiritual fortitude, i.e., patience, also requires hard work, pain, time, and diligence (2 Peter 1:5-10).

To gain more patience, let us ask God (James 1:5-6) and do what is necessary to increase our faith. As we increase our knowledge and understanding of God’s word, and we become more faithful and consistent doers of God’s word (Romans 10:17), our trust in God, as well as our dependence upon Him will be strengthened. Stronger faith engenders greater hope, and as we face and experience life’s challenges, hardships, and sorrows, our faith and hope enable us to, with patience, remain “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Conclusion

Patience, in the biblical sense, is far more than passive waiting—it is an active, faith-filled endurance that reflects God’s character and advances His purposes. Patience involves trust in God’s plan, steadfastness in trials, and a commitment to righteous living, even when the path is difficult.

From the patience of God in delaying judgment to the perseverance of the faithful awaiting Christ’s return, Scripture reveals patience as a thread woven through the tapestry of redemption. For believers, it is a command and virtue that matures through trials and shines brightest in love. As Hebrews 12:1 urges,

“let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

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April 2025 | GROW magazine