We don’t mind being patient provided it does not take long! It is often in times that we require patience that we learn the most about ourselves. The word literally means to “postpone your wrath”. It denotes an attitude of self-restraint which keeps a person from a hasty retaliation.

1 – The instruction to be patient

One of the evidences of a spirit-filled life is patience. It is one of the evidences of love. It is also an outcome of tribulation in your life. We are to exercise patience in the times of difficulties. Patience is a characteristic of God in His dealing with sinful humanity. See 2 Peter 3:9. It is to characterise us even when we are being treated unfairly (cf. 1 Peter 2:20).

2 – The illustration to be patient

James and his brother Jude were farmers. The illustration of farming shows patience. The farmer had to wait for the seasons of rain to come to water the crops. Where is the return of Jesus? See 2 Peter 3:8-9. Some are impatient thinking it is taking too long. God is not o our schedule. He does not consider time like we do. He is not affected time. God created time. He leaves in eternity. He does not have a clock or calendar. It is foolish to criticise God’s timing. God’s patience is greater than our patience.

3 – The implications of patience

See James 5:8. We must put iron into our hearts. We are to:-

• Develop confidence as we wait. We are not to grumble and complain. We need to make our foundations secure. We have hope and confidence in God. We are humble to God and He gives us strength. We have a mediator. God knows. Christ commanded His followers to live with an alert expectation concerning His coming (See Mark 13:32-37.
• Developing courage as we wait – We are to wait for the return of Jesus Christ. He has been where we are going to be. God has a GPS route for your life. The Holy Spirit is the voice that leads us. The failure to keep the immanency of the Lord’s return before us results in discouragement and worldly living (See 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 2 Peter 3:11; 1 John 3:3).

Categories: James