A Few Thoughts on Patience

Not long ago, I lost my patience with a couple of my sons. Later, I had to ask for their forgiveness. As I reflected on what had happened—why I had raised my voice at them and what consequences this sin carries— I came to a clear realization: patience is like a concrete wall that holds in place all the instruction and influence being poured into the hearts, minds, and lives of those you serve. Remove that wall, and all the good influence begins to leak away instead of remaining in people's hearts.

Patience has the same effect in ministry. Those of you who serve in any capacity know that working with people will eventually bring you to the point where patience is required. Why? Because the people to whom we minister are sinners. And when their sin is directed personally at you— as often happens in close, soul-care ministry— you suddenly realize just how essential patience really is.

There are many biblical passages that speak of the importance and necessity of patience. But there is one text that specifically speaks about Christ's patience toward Saul (Paul) before his conversion, and how that patience impacts several different people and areas of life.

“But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” (1 Tim. 1:16)

God saved Saul in order to display the greatness, beauty, and significance of His patience. Why His patience? Because before his conversion, Saul fiercely persecuted the church. Throughout all that time, until his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, he lived under the covering of God's patient forbearance. Had it not been for the Lord's patience toward him, God's righteous judgment would have fallen on him in an instant. But instead, God patiently endured Saul. It was God's patience that led him to repentance.

This is the central lesson of the passage. God's patient forbearance toward the sinner is proclaimed in salvation and leads to salvation. It is the conversion of the sinner that puts the greatness of God's patience on display.

But the passage goes on to say that the patience Christ showed to Saul serves as an example to all who would later believe in Him for eternal life. In other words, patience has a direct impact on those who watch and those who listen. Patience displayed is influence exerted.
So take encouragement, dear friends. Your patience has an impact on those around you, contributing to their salvation and to their growth in the faith.

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"When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,
I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works."
Psalm 73:21-28

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