By: Elder Vista Jeffries

 

We are living in an era of high-speed internet access and 4G cell phone service. With these conveniences at our fingertips, we have alleviated the need to wait on many things. However, Christians have a need for patience. Patience is a virtue and is the ability to endure difficult situations for long periods without acting on ill feelings in a negative way. An impressive example of a man who had patience in the scriptures is Job. This article will define the patience of Job and explain the importance of patience in the Christian walk, and provide insight into how to gain patience.

God testifies of Job's perfection as He speaks to Satan in the beginning of the book of Job (Job 1:8). Job exhibited the characteristics of patience that is an attribute of Job's perfection. He lost his oxen, donkeys, sheep, camel, servants, and children. With these overwhelming losses, Job took the news with patience. After hearing of his losses, he worshiped God and blessed the name of the Lord. He did not sin nor charge God foolishly (Job 1:20-22). Another round of tests began for Job when God allowed Satan to afflict Job's body (Job 2:1-6). Job was smitten with boils from foot to head and lost the support of his wife, who encourages him to curse God and die. Job held to his integrity and endured the grief his friends (miserable comforters) added to him. In the end, Job had to pray for his friends who spoke against him. God made the latter end of Job greater than his beginning (Job 42). Job had a grand end to his tests and troubles. In the midst of them, he stated that he would wait until his change comes. This statement was a testament to his patience.

Although gaining knowledge of Job's patience is good, Christians must understand the importance of patience in the Christian walk. Patience allows Christians to endure suffering, to show the fruit of the spirit of God, to go through the process that leads to perfection, and to inherit the promises of God. Apostle James taught the congregation to look at the examples of suffering and of patience and reminded them that we consider those that endure as happy. James also reminded believers of the patience of Job (James 5:10-11). It is important to have patience because it plays a role in long-suffering, which is an attribute of the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). Patience will allow us to go through the process of perfection. Apostle Peter taught that after we suffer a while, God will make us perfect (I Peter 5:10). Patience allows us to inherit the promises of God. The scripture teaches that we have need of patience—after we have done the will of God, we might receive the promise (Hebrews 10:36). Our reward awaits us at the end of our Christian walk but patience is necessary to make it to the end.

After understanding the importance of patience, it is beneficial to understand how to gain patience. Although it is good to pray for patience, it does not come by prayer alone, but through tribulation. The scriptures teaches us not to glory in the hope of the glory of God only, but in tribulation too because it brings about patience (Romans 5:2-3). When a person wants to gain physical strength, prayer is helpful but a workout regimen that builds strength should follow the prayer. We increase physical strength by using the strength we have to gain more. Patience increases the same way. We must have more opportunities to use our patience through tribulation; therefore, tribulation is an answer to the prayer of increased patience. Job had these opportunities to increase his patience with all of his grief and sufferings. Apostle James mentions him as an example of a patient man (James 5:10-11).

Knowledge is at our fingertips through high-speed internet and 4G cell phones. With these devices, waiting is not required. On the other hand, waiting is necessary for a successful walk with God, and patience is the virtue that gives us this ability. Job was a prime example of a man who had patience. This article has defined the patience of Job, explained the importance of patience in the Christian walk, and provided insight into how to gain patience. As you pray for patience with your husband, wife, children, coworkers, illness, and journey toward perfection, remember the method God uses to answer this prayer and let patience have its perfect work in your life.

Please view the commentary of the Elders and the testimony of some on the saints on patience. Click Here