Bible Dictionaries
Patience

Holman Bible Dictionary

An active endurance of opposition, not a passive resignation. Patience and patient are used to translate several Hebrew and Greek words. Patience is endurance, steadfastness, longhysuffering, and forbearance.

God is patient (Romans 15:5 ). He is slow to anger in relation to the Hebrews (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18 , Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:15; Isaiah 48:9; Hosea 11:8-9 ). The Hebrews were frequently rebellious, but God patiently dealt with them. Jesus' parable of the tenants depicted God's patience with His people (Mark 12:1-11 ). God's patience with sinners allows time for them to repent (Romans 2:4 ), especially in the apparent delay of the return of Christ (2 Peter 3:9-10 ).

God's people are to be patient. The psalmist learned to be patient when confronted with the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 37:1-3 ,Psalms 37:1-3,37:9-13 ,Psalms 37:9-13,37:34-38 ). Christians should face adversity patiently (Romans 5:3-5 ). Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22 ). Christian love is patient (1Corinthians 13:4,1 Corinthians 13:7 ). Ministers are to be patient (2 Corinthians 6:6 ).

Christians need patient endurance in the face of persecution. Hebrews stressed endurance as the alternative to shrinking back during adversity (Hebrews 6:9-15; Hebrews 10:32-29 ). Jesus is the great example of endurance (Hebrews 12:1-3 ). Perseverance is part of maturity (James 1:2-4 ). Job's perseverance is another example for suffering Christians (James 5:11 ). John frequently highlighted the patient endurance of Christians (Revelation 2:2 ,Revelation 2:2,2:19; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 13:10; Revelation 14:12 ). Christian patience is ultimately a gift from God (Romans 15:5-6; 2 Thessalonians 3:5 ).

Warren McWilliams