Topical Bible: Patience: should be Accompanied by Long-Suffering

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Definition and Nature:
Patience, in the biblical context, is the capacity to endure hardship, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset. It is a virtue that reflects a steadfastness and perseverance in the face of trials. Patience is often linked with long-suffering, which emphasizes enduring discomfort or pain over an extended period. Together, they form a critical aspect of Christian character, demonstrating trust in God's timing and sovereignty.

Biblical References:
The Bible frequently exhorts believers to cultivate patience and long-suffering as part of their spiritual growth. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul highlights these virtues as fruits of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). Here, patience is presented as a divine attribute that believers are to embody through the Holy Spirit's work in their lives.

Old Testament Insights:
The Old Testament provides numerous examples of patience and long-suffering. Job is a quintessential figure of patience, enduring immense suffering while maintaining his faith in God. James 5:11 reflects on Job's endurance: "Behold, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."

New Testament Teachings:
In the New Testament, patience is closely associated with love and humility. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:1-2). This passage underscores the relational aspect of patience, encouraging believers to exercise it in their interactions with others.

Christ as the Model of Patience:
Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of patience and long-suffering. His life and ministry exemplified enduring love and compassion, even in the face of rejection and suffering. Hebrews 12:2-3 encourages believers to look to Jesus as their example: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Practical Application:
Patience and long-suffering are essential for maintaining unity and peace within the Christian community. Colossians 3:12-13 instructs believers: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This passage highlights the importance of patience in fostering forgiveness and reconciliation.

Eschatological Perspective:
Patience is also linked to the believer's hope in the return of Christ. James 5:7-8 encourages believers to be patient as they await the Lord's coming: "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. You too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near." This eschatological perspective provides a broader context for understanding patience as an expression of faith and hope in God's ultimate plan.

Conclusion:
While a conclusion is not provided, the exploration of patience and long-suffering within the biblical framework reveals their integral role in the Christian life. These virtues are not only personal attributes but also communal necessities, reflecting the character of Christ and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Sacred Love Contains the Twelve Fruits of the Holy Ghost ...
... So he who should say that the fruit of ... which in adversity is preserved by patience,
and which ... towards them, testifying a simplicity accompanied with confidence ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xix how sacred love.htm

Christian Graces.
... This staying shows us that lie exercised patience, waiting God's leisure till the
flood should be taken away ... Alas, sometimes patience is accompanied with so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xviii christian graces.htm

The Last Pleading of Love
... than the remorse which afterwards accompanied his tardy ... tender heart, against the
unexampled patience of Thy ... mournful mystery that a creature should desire to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the last pleading of love.htm

The Life Story of Pastor Wang
... The graves should face the south, with White ... heard the chant which always accompanied
the sowing of ... which makes hourly claims on patience, forbearance, devotion ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xiii the life story.htm

The Lord Coming to his Temple
... obstinate, is sung for their diversion, accompanied with the ... I should insult your
understandings, if I judged a ... dignity, or care, or power, or patience of a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon iv the lord coming.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is long-suffering
to us ... out into a rage"this is work above us; now our patience should look up ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Aubrey Leigh was a Man who had Chosen his Own Way of Life...
... he had crossed swords that morning, accompanied by a ... work and await the future with
patience." Then lifting ... to engulf your frail craft,"why should the Maker ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xviii aubrey leigh was a.htm

What a Good Man Is, and How He Becomes So
... band, in which he was accompanied by his ... are the truly Christian virtues"patience
and meekness ... by 'living water,' which whosoever drank should never thirst ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/what a good man is.htm

Apostasy in Galatia
... hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey ... Tenderness, patience, decision, and firmness
are alike needful ... the faith that had been accompanied by unmistakable ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 36 apostasy in galatia.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace.
... a look of Christ's love, patience, long-suffering, meekness, hatred ... 2. Nor should
every believer expect one ... several disappointments, is accompanied with much ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter vii how christ is.htm