Do you remember that old bumper sticker that said, “Be Patient! God isn’t done with me yet”? It’s a humorous thought, but it also reveals something about our human nature. We're great at asking for patience from others, but when it comes to having it ourselves, that's a different story. In a world of instant gratification, waiting feels like an inconvenience.
Patience is more than just waiting calmly; it's the ability to tolerate delays, endure difficulty, and show grace to others. It isn't a trait we're born with or instantly gain. it's something we develop over time with God’s grace and our own cooperation. Patience is how we demonstrate God's love, and without it, we can't truly be peacemakers. When we impatiently demand that everyone act on our timeline, the result is almost always conflict.
We often think of impatience as an “acceptable sin” because it’s not as severe as others. But in God’s eyes, it’s a sin we must put to death. Impatience often surfaces when we face problems or disagreements, triggering negative emotions like frustration, anxiety, or anger. This can lead to rash words and foolish decisions, and sadly, it can damage our relationships. It can wreck marriages, alienate friends, and cause division in our communities.
At the root of our impatience is a self-centeredness that Scripture calls our “flesh.” We can mistakenly believe our own desires are more important than those of others, leading to frustration when things don’t go our way. We might even rationalize our impatience by saying, "This is just how God made me." But in reality, it's a symptom of how sin has corrupted us. Our sinful attitudes must be replaced with biblical beliefs that promote patience in our lives.
The good news is that God's purpose for our salvation includes sanctification which is the process of becoming holy. God’s goal is to become like His Son, and patience is a key part of that process.
Romans 8:28-30 NLT [28] And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. [29] For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. (emphasis mine)
An accurate understanding of this sanctifying process is the foundation for patience. While this transformation is His work, we are not passive participants.
Philippians 2:12-13 NLT [12] Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. [13] For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (emphasis mine)
This means we put in the effort to grow in holiness, knowing that it’s God’s good pleasure and His power working in us that brings it about.
Our Need for Patience: Where to Focus
Patience is a practice that we need in three main areas of our lives:
With Ourselves: When our spiritual growth feels slow, we must remember that God's work of sanctification is a long process. We must be patient with ourselves.
Philippians 1:6 NLT And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
With Others: Our attitudes toward people should reflect God’s incredible patience with us. Instead of getting exasperated with those who don’t see things our way, we should focus on our own need for a heart that loves others with patience, kindness, and endurance.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT [4] Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud [5] or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. [6] It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. [7] Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
With God: All impatience with people or circumstances is ultimately impatience with God, who is sovereign over all things. Instead of getting upset when God doesn't answer our prayers on our timeline, we must trust in His perfect timing and good purposes.
Developing Patience: Practical Steps
So, how do we grow a heart of patience?
Pray for it. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, so we can confidently ask God for it, knowing He answers prayers that align with His will. As we submit to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, God's Word will change our minds, emotions, and wills.
Think biblical. God uses difficulties to develop patience in us.
James 1:2-4 NLT [2] Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [3] For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. [4] So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
We can rejoice in our trials not because they are fun, but because we know God is using difficulties to make us more like Christ.
Accept responsibility. We don't drift into patience; we must make a conscious effort to grow. The good news is we're not alone. The Holy Spirit indwells and empowers us. The same grace that saved us also teaches us to deny ungodly habits and live righteously.
Patience is an act of faith. It's about believing that God is sovereign and that you can trust Him to use difficult circumstances to make you more like His Son. Each trial becomes an opportunity to trust God and wait patiently for Him. One of the most difficult tasks for a believer is self-denial, but that’s exactly what patience requires. It means considering the interests of others as more important than your own and letting go of your rights and expectations. This applies to your relationship with God, as well.
Patience begins with the way you think. When your thoughts are anchored in Scripture, you'll find you're more patient with others and more willing to endure difficulties. Instead of complaining, you'll find yourself thanking and praising God for His wise and loving choices.
Patience is more than just waiting calmly; it's the ability to tolerate delays, endure difficulty, and show grace to others. It isn't a trait we're born with or instantly gain. it's something we develop over time with God’s grace and our own cooperation. Patience is how we demonstrate God's love, and without it, we can't truly be peacemakers. When we impatiently demand that everyone act on our timeline, the result is almost always conflict.
We often think of impatience as an “acceptable sin” because it’s not as severe as others. But in God’s eyes, it’s a sin we must put to death. Impatience often surfaces when we face problems or disagreements, triggering negative emotions like frustration, anxiety, or anger. This can lead to rash words and foolish decisions, and sadly, it can damage our relationships. It can wreck marriages, alienate friends, and cause division in our communities.
At the root of our impatience is a self-centeredness that Scripture calls our “flesh.” We can mistakenly believe our own desires are more important than those of others, leading to frustration when things don’t go our way. We might even rationalize our impatience by saying, "This is just how God made me." But in reality, it's a symptom of how sin has corrupted us. Our sinful attitudes must be replaced with biblical beliefs that promote patience in our lives.
The good news is that God's purpose for our salvation includes sanctification which is the process of becoming holy. God’s goal is to become like His Son, and patience is a key part of that process.
Romans 8:28-30 NLT [28] And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. [29] For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. (emphasis mine)
An accurate understanding of this sanctifying process is the foundation for patience. While this transformation is His work, we are not passive participants.
Philippians 2:12-13 NLT [12] Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. [13] For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (emphasis mine)
This means we put in the effort to grow in holiness, knowing that it’s God’s good pleasure and His power working in us that brings it about.
Our Need for Patience: Where to Focus
Patience is a practice that we need in three main areas of our lives:
With Ourselves: When our spiritual growth feels slow, we must remember that God's work of sanctification is a long process. We must be patient with ourselves.
Philippians 1:6 NLT And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
With Others: Our attitudes toward people should reflect God’s incredible patience with us. Instead of getting exasperated with those who don’t see things our way, we should focus on our own need for a heart that loves others with patience, kindness, and endurance.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT [4] Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud [5] or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. [6] It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. [7] Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
With God: All impatience with people or circumstances is ultimately impatience with God, who is sovereign over all things. Instead of getting upset when God doesn't answer our prayers on our timeline, we must trust in His perfect timing and good purposes.
Developing Patience: Practical Steps
So, how do we grow a heart of patience?
Pray for it. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, so we can confidently ask God for it, knowing He answers prayers that align with His will. As we submit to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, God's Word will change our minds, emotions, and wills.
Think biblical. God uses difficulties to develop patience in us.
James 1:2-4 NLT [2] Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [3] For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. [4] So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
We can rejoice in our trials not because they are fun, but because we know God is using difficulties to make us more like Christ.
Accept responsibility. We don't drift into patience; we must make a conscious effort to grow. The good news is we're not alone. The Holy Spirit indwells and empowers us. The same grace that saved us also teaches us to deny ungodly habits and live righteously.
Patience is an act of faith. It's about believing that God is sovereign and that you can trust Him to use difficult circumstances to make you more like His Son. Each trial becomes an opportunity to trust God and wait patiently for Him. One of the most difficult tasks for a believer is self-denial, but that’s exactly what patience requires. It means considering the interests of others as more important than your own and letting go of your rights and expectations. This applies to your relationship with God, as well.
Patience begins with the way you think. When your thoughts are anchored in Scripture, you'll find you're more patient with others and more willing to endure difficulties. Instead of complaining, you'll find yourself thanking and praising God for His wise and loving choices.
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