2 Timothy 3:10-11 But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, patience,… A little patience will not do, for we have no little enemies to oppose us — it must be all patience and all strength. This also is a virtue very requisite for a minister, who hath to do with all sorts of men; some are dull, some froward, some weak, some wayward; so that without patience there is no good to be done. It is for pusillanimous spirits to be always murmuring, complaining, and seeking revenge. The weakest creatures are most vindictive. This is an ornament of great worth, not only in the sight of man, but also of God (1 Peter 3:4). Without it we are unfit for duty, as the troubled sea unfit for voyage. Without it we double and increase our burthens; like a wild bull in a net, or the untamed heifer, we may gall our necks, but never break the yoke. Without patience no grace is perfect, faith hath but half its strength, and hope is feeble (James 1:4). By our patience we please God, displease the devil, rejoice the angels, and many times melt and convert our enemies. By this means we heap coals of conversion or coals of confusion upon their heads (Romans 12:20). This will keep us good in a bad condition, so that a man enjoys himself when he hath nothing else; and though he have nothing, yet is as one that possesseth all things. The consideration of this made to cry, "Farewell all, so I may but get patience." (T. Hall, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,WEB: But you did follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, |
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