The quality of forbearance and self-control which shows itself particularly in a willingness to wait upon God and his will. Believers are called upon to be patient in their expectations of God's actions, and in their relationships with one another.
God's patience
Exodus 34:6–7; Romans 2:4 See also Nehemiah 9:30; Isaiah 48:9, Isaiah 65:2; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Nahum 1:3; Acts 17:30; Romans 3:25, Romans 9:22; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:9
Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”
Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?
The patience of Jesus Christ
1 Timothy 1:16 See also Matthew 17:17 parallels Mark 9:19, Luke 9:41; John 14:9; 2 Peter 3:15; Revelation 2:21
But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
Other examples of patience
2 Thessalonians 1:4 the Thessalonian believers; Hebrews 6:15; James 5:11 Job; Revelation 1:9, Revelation 2:2
Patience is part of the fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22 See also Colossians 1:10–11
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
God's people should exercise patience
Proverbs 19:11; Colossians 3:12 See also Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 16:32, Proverbs 25:15; Matthew 6:14–15, Matthew 18:35
A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
People who need particular patience
Christian leaders
2 Timothy 4:2 See also 2 Timothy 3:10
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
Christian masters
And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
Patience is necessary in church life
Ephesians 4:2 See also Romans 15:1; Colossians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:14
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
God's word is to be received with patience
Hebrews 13:22 See also Proverbs 2:1–5; 2 Timothy 4:3
I urge you, brothers, to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have only written to you briefly.
Patience is a characteristic of love
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Patience is an aspect of faith and hope
Psalm 33:20; James 5:7–8 Psalm 5:2, Psalm 27:14, Psalm 37:7, Psalm 37:34, Psalm 38:15; Psalm 119:166, Psalm 130:5–6; Proverbs 20:22; Isaiah 8:17, Isaiah 30:18; Lamentations 3:24, Lamentations 3:26; Micah 7:7; Zephaniah 3:8; Acts 1:4 Jesus Christ's instructions to the apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit; Romans 8:25, Romans 12:12; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 6:12, Hebrews 6:15 the example of Abraham; James 5:10; Revelation 6:11
Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits 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.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.