Patience in Sacred Scripture
Sacred Scripture gives countless examples of patience and meekness. The following passages will help us to reflect.
King David had to face the rebellion of Absalom, his son. His armies were losing terrain, and he had to escape from Jerusalem. Instead of getting sad or angry at the insults hurled at him, King David accepted them as coming from God.
The king set out, with all the people following him, and they halted at a place some distance away. The king set out, with his entire household following him.
The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the desert. But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up.
As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left. As he cursed, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you man of blood, you scoundrel! The Lord has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The Lord has handed the kingdom over to your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a man of blood!”
Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.”
But the king said, “What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, `Curse David,’ who can ask, `Why do you do this?’“ David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, who is of my own flesh, is trying to take my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today.”
So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself. (2 Sam 15-17 - 16:14)
In the Book of Job, Scripture gives an example of a just man who suffered tribulation and endured it with edifying patience. In this book, the question of patience in suffering finds its most vivid expression. Job, an image of our Lord Jesus Christ, shows us the reactions of a patient man when facing trials in life.
Job was a “perfect and upright man, one who feared God and eschewed evil.” This just man, without any fault of his own, is tried by seemingly endless sufferings. He loses his possessions, his sons and daughters, and finally he himself is afflicted by a grave disease.
The essential merit of the drama enacted around Job is that it faces the problem squarely. By human calculation the vicissitudes which he suffers are wholly unjust and inappropriate. The Book of Job does not offer any easy solution, but depicts the holy fortitude that the man of God exhibits in his humiliation.
Job’s patience encourages and comforts any individual or group to bear anything for God’s sake in time of bereavement or oppression.1
The sapiential books of the Old Testament describe the distinctive behavior of a patient man:
I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry. (Ps 40:1)
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation, Lord, brought joy to my soul.
(Ps 94:19)
Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!
Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.
I am a man of peace;
but when I speak, they are for war. (Ps 120:5-7)
The bad tempered man provokes disputes,
the patient man allays dissension. (Prov 15:18)
Better a patient man than a warrior,
a man who controls his temper,
than one who takes a city. (Prov 16:32)
A patient man will stand firm till the time comes,
but his joy will break out in the end. (Sir 1:29)
My son, if you aspire to serve the Lord,
prepare yourself for temptation.
Be sincere of heart, be steadfast,
and do not be alarmed when disaster comes.
Cling to him and do not leave him,
so that you may be honored at the end of your days.
Whatever happens to you, accept it,
and in the uncertainties of your humble state,
be patient,
since gold is tested with fire,
and chosen men in the crucible of humiliation.
(Sir 2:1-5)
My son, when you are ill, do not be impatient,
but pray to the Lord and he will heal you. (Sir 38:9)
The passages of “the Servant of God” of the Book of Isaiah prophesy the patience and endurance of the Redeemer. Here are some of them:
He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. (Is 42:2)
The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back. I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. (Is 50:5-6)
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (Is 53:7)
In the New Testament, Jesus, God and Man, is the ultimate model of patience. Especially in the sufferings of his Passion and Cross, he gives us the ideal for every Christian.2
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Mt 11:29)
He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. (Mt 12:19-20)
Say to the Daughter of Zion, “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Mt 21:5)
After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:5)
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. (John 13:14)
Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.”(Mt 26:49-50)
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, `I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’“ Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent. (Mt 26:59-63)
When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge –to the great amazement of the governor. (Mt 27:12-14)
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Lk 23:34)
Our Lord also taught us with parables to live patience in specific situations. The parable of the Unmerciful Servant shows us the contrast between the king’s conduct and his servant’s. It teaches us to be merciful with all, as God is merciful with us.3
The kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
The servant fell on his knees before him. “Be patient with me,” he begged, “and I will pay back everything.” The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt, and let him go.
But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. “Pay back what you owe me!” he demanded.
His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, “Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.” But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.
When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
Then the master called the servant in. “You wicked servant,” he said, “I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart. (Mt 18:23-35)
By your patience you will win your souls. (Lk 21:19)
For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. (Lk 22:27)
Patience and long-suffering were characteristics of the early Christians, as St Paul shows.
We even rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that such sufferings produce patience–proven virtue–and patience, hope. (Rom 5:3-4)
Love is patient. (1 Cor 13:4)
We prove we are servants of God by great patience in times of suffering; in times of hardship and distress; when we are flogged, or sent to prison, or mobbed; laboring, sleepless, starving. We prove we are God’s servants by our purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness. (2 Cor 6:4-6)
By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you‑I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” when away! (2 Cor 10:1)
As a prisoner of the Lord, I urge you to live a life worthy of your vocation. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in charity. (Eph 4:1)
Jesus made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death–even death on a Cross! (Phil 2:7-8)
We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. (1 Thes 2:7)
No one should be shaken by trials. You know quite well that these are bound to come our way. (1 Thes 3:3)
Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. (2 Thes 1:4)
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance. (2 Tim 3:10)
At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. (2 Tim 4:16)
In the following verses, the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews tells the Christians that there should be no relaxation, but zeal for the full realization of their hope to the very end. Thus, they shall escape that dull sluggishness and imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promise. Note the mention of all the three theological virtues and the special mention of patience, which is the moral strength of hope.
We want each of you to show this same charity and diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (Heb 6:11-12)
A Christian should remember his days of fervor; this is a most powerful antidote against relaxation in his daily struggle.
The early Christians had “endured a great contest of sufferings” and proved themselves good spiritual athletes. Nevertheless, they could have gone through some discouragement. Pain, shame, persecution, and spoliation fell to their lot–in the days of Stephen, for example.
In those circumstances, courage and confidence in God must not be thrown away; patience is necessary for one to keep doing God’s will and thus secure salvation.
Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
You need patience so that when you have done the Will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Heb 10:32-36)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the Cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Heb 12:2-3)
The Apostle St James teaches us to be patient and to endure present difficulties.
The opening paragraph of St James’s letter shows the anxiety of the writer for the faithful under trial. Aware that their faith is being put to the test by manifold afflictions, he bids them to look upon themselves as blessed when they suffer persecution for justice’ sake. For the time of trial is a training school on which lessons of endurance, constancy, and solid virtue are effectively taught.
Men of strong faith will stand firm in times of affliction when weaker brethren falter and give way. Patient endurance tends to purify the soul, to sanctify and perfect it. A soul is perfected by the removal of everything contrary to the love of God.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops patience. Patience perfects the work [of God] so that you may become mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (Jas 1:2-4)
The poor man who patiently endures poverty resembles his divine Lord, who promised eternal life to the poor in spirit. Thus, is he exalted above his low condition. The climax of this section on the value of trials is reached in the reward promised to the man who remains steadfast. With character matured, virtue perfected, and the love of God fully tested by trials patiently endured, the victor’s crown of eternal glory will be his according to God’s promise.
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. (Jas 1:9-11)
The victims of injustice, and all who suffer the trials of life, are now exhorted to wait with trustful patience and submission for the arrival of the day of deliverance, termed “the day of the coming of the Lord.” The reference seems to be to the coming of the Son of Man about which the disciples asked Christ on Mount Olivet.
The prophecy uttered on that occasion was partly fulfilled when the Romans captured Jerusalem and destroyed the Jewish temple. The complete fulfillment must await the day of the final judgment, when all wrong will be righted, all patient endurance rewarded.
St James summons the Christians, “Don’t grumble against each other, brothers,” for that would be yielding to impatience and irritability, and might lead to recriminations and rash judgments, thus meriting a severe sentence from the Judge, who is so near that he seems to be standing at the door.
Be patient, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. Think of a farmer; how patiently he waits for the land to yield the precious fruit and how patient he is for the autumn and the spring rains.
Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (Jas 5:7-11)
The early Christians suffered trials of various kinds, for justice’ sake. They were attacked for the name of Christ and slandered as criminals. Slaves suffered at the hands of their masters. The persecution was severe and widespread, but unofficial and spasmodic.
In his first letter, the Apostle St Peter offers words of consolation and encouragement to these sufferers. Since they were in danger of yielding under the strain of calumny and violence, the example of the suffering Christ is set before them (2:21), by whose blood they were ransomed (1:19), by whose resurrection God regenerated them, and destines them for eternal glory. Accordingly, they are urged to bear their sufferings patiently (2:18; 3:14; 4:13). Every Christian must practice virtue, submission to authority, charity, vigilance, and humility.
For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. (1 Pet 2:19)
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. (1 Pet 2:20)
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Pet 2:21)
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (1 Pet 2:23)
Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. (1 Pet 2:18)
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” (1 Pet 3:14)
But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Pet 4:13)
Toward their pagan neighbors who view them with suspicion, and hostility, Christians must adopt an attitude of nonresistance and bear evil patiently, without retaliating. Not even returning good for evil, but blessings for curses.
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Pet 3:9)
In his second letter, St Peter calls for self-control and patience, i.e., endurance of trials and sufferings with resignation. One who has reached this stage of perfection is endowed with “piety” or “godliness,” i.e. perfect conformity to God’s will.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, patience; and to patience, piety; and to piety, fraternal love; and to fraternal love, charity. (2 Pet 1:5-7)
The Archangel St Michael and the churches of Ephesus and Thyatira are praised for their patience.
But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 1:9)
[To the church of Ephesus] I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. (Apoc 2:2-3)
[To the church of Thyatira] I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. (Apoc 2:19)
Footnotes:
1 See in p. 000 the comments of St Gregory the Great and Pope John Paul II on the Book of Job.
2 See more on Our Lord’s patience in p. 000.
3 See St John Chrysostom’s comments on this parable in p. 000, An Eye for an Eye?
King David had to face the rebellion of Absalom, his son. His armies were losing terrain, and he had to escape from Jerusalem. Instead of getting sad or angry at the insults hurled at him, King David accepted them as coming from God.
The king set out, with all the people following him, and they halted at a place some distance away. The king set out, with his entire household following him.
The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the desert. But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up.
As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left. As he cursed, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you man of blood, you scoundrel! The Lord has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The Lord has handed the kingdom over to your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a man of blood!”
Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.”
But the king said, “What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, `Curse David,’ who can ask, `Why do you do this?’“ David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, who is of my own flesh, is trying to take my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today.”
So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself. (2 Sam 15-17 - 16:14)
In the Book of Job, Scripture gives an example of a just man who suffered tribulation and endured it with edifying patience. In this book, the question of patience in suffering finds its most vivid expression. Job, an image of our Lord Jesus Christ, shows us the reactions of a patient man when facing trials in life.
Job was a “perfect and upright man, one who feared God and eschewed evil.” This just man, without any fault of his own, is tried by seemingly endless sufferings. He loses his possessions, his sons and daughters, and finally he himself is afflicted by a grave disease.
The essential merit of the drama enacted around Job is that it faces the problem squarely. By human calculation the vicissitudes which he suffers are wholly unjust and inappropriate. The Book of Job does not offer any easy solution, but depicts the holy fortitude that the man of God exhibits in his humiliation.
Job’s patience encourages and comforts any individual or group to bear anything for God’s sake in time of bereavement or oppression.1
The sapiential books of the Old Testament describe the distinctive behavior of a patient man:
I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry. (Ps 40:1)
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation, Lord, brought joy to my soul.
(Ps 94:19)
Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!
Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.
I am a man of peace;
but when I speak, they are for war. (Ps 120:5-7)
The bad tempered man provokes disputes,
the patient man allays dissension. (Prov 15:18)
Better a patient man than a warrior,
a man who controls his temper,
than one who takes a city. (Prov 16:32)
A patient man will stand firm till the time comes,
but his joy will break out in the end. (Sir 1:29)
My son, if you aspire to serve the Lord,
prepare yourself for temptation.
Be sincere of heart, be steadfast,
and do not be alarmed when disaster comes.
Cling to him and do not leave him,
so that you may be honored at the end of your days.
Whatever happens to you, accept it,
and in the uncertainties of your humble state,
be patient,
since gold is tested with fire,
and chosen men in the crucible of humiliation.
(Sir 2:1-5)
My son, when you are ill, do not be impatient,
but pray to the Lord and he will heal you. (Sir 38:9)
The passages of “the Servant of God” of the Book of Isaiah prophesy the patience and endurance of the Redeemer. Here are some of them:
He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. (Is 42:2)
The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back. I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. (Is 50:5-6)
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (Is 53:7)
In the New Testament, Jesus, God and Man, is the ultimate model of patience. Especially in the sufferings of his Passion and Cross, he gives us the ideal for every Christian.2
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Mt 11:29)
He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. (Mt 12:19-20)
Say to the Daughter of Zion, “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Mt 21:5)
After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:5)
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. (John 13:14)
Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.”(Mt 26:49-50)
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, `I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’“ Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent. (Mt 26:59-63)
When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge –to the great amazement of the governor. (Mt 27:12-14)
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Lk 23:34)
Our Lord also taught us with parables to live patience in specific situations. The parable of the Unmerciful Servant shows us the contrast between the king’s conduct and his servant’s. It teaches us to be merciful with all, as God is merciful with us.3
The kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
The servant fell on his knees before him. “Be patient with me,” he begged, “and I will pay back everything.” The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt, and let him go.
But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. “Pay back what you owe me!” he demanded.
His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, “Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.” But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.
When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
Then the master called the servant in. “You wicked servant,” he said, “I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart. (Mt 18:23-35)
By your patience you will win your souls. (Lk 21:19)
For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. (Lk 22:27)
Patience and long-suffering were characteristics of the early Christians, as St Paul shows.
We even rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that such sufferings produce patience–proven virtue–and patience, hope. (Rom 5:3-4)
Love is patient. (1 Cor 13:4)
We prove we are servants of God by great patience in times of suffering; in times of hardship and distress; when we are flogged, or sent to prison, or mobbed; laboring, sleepless, starving. We prove we are God’s servants by our purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness. (2 Cor 6:4-6)
By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you‑I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” when away! (2 Cor 10:1)
As a prisoner of the Lord, I urge you to live a life worthy of your vocation. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in charity. (Eph 4:1)
Jesus made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death–even death on a Cross! (Phil 2:7-8)
We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. (1 Thes 2:7)
No one should be shaken by trials. You know quite well that these are bound to come our way. (1 Thes 3:3)
Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. (2 Thes 1:4)
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance. (2 Tim 3:10)
At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. (2 Tim 4:16)
In the following verses, the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews tells the Christians that there should be no relaxation, but zeal for the full realization of their hope to the very end. Thus, they shall escape that dull sluggishness and imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promise. Note the mention of all the three theological virtues and the special mention of patience, which is the moral strength of hope.
We want each of you to show this same charity and diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (Heb 6:11-12)
A Christian should remember his days of fervor; this is a most powerful antidote against relaxation in his daily struggle.
The early Christians had “endured a great contest of sufferings” and proved themselves good spiritual athletes. Nevertheless, they could have gone through some discouragement. Pain, shame, persecution, and spoliation fell to their lot–in the days of Stephen, for example.
In those circumstances, courage and confidence in God must not be thrown away; patience is necessary for one to keep doing God’s will and thus secure salvation.
Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
You need patience so that when you have done the Will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Heb 10:32-36)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the Cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Heb 12:2-3)
The Apostle St James teaches us to be patient and to endure present difficulties.
The opening paragraph of St James’s letter shows the anxiety of the writer for the faithful under trial. Aware that their faith is being put to the test by manifold afflictions, he bids them to look upon themselves as blessed when they suffer persecution for justice’ sake. For the time of trial is a training school on which lessons of endurance, constancy, and solid virtue are effectively taught.
Men of strong faith will stand firm in times of affliction when weaker brethren falter and give way. Patient endurance tends to purify the soul, to sanctify and perfect it. A soul is perfected by the removal of everything contrary to the love of God.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops patience. Patience perfects the work [of God] so that you may become mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (Jas 1:2-4)
The poor man who patiently endures poverty resembles his divine Lord, who promised eternal life to the poor in spirit. Thus, is he exalted above his low condition. The climax of this section on the value of trials is reached in the reward promised to the man who remains steadfast. With character matured, virtue perfected, and the love of God fully tested by trials patiently endured, the victor’s crown of eternal glory will be his according to God’s promise.
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. (Jas 1:9-11)
The victims of injustice, and all who suffer the trials of life, are now exhorted to wait with trustful patience and submission for the arrival of the day of deliverance, termed “the day of the coming of the Lord.” The reference seems to be to the coming of the Son of Man about which the disciples asked Christ on Mount Olivet.
The prophecy uttered on that occasion was partly fulfilled when the Romans captured Jerusalem and destroyed the Jewish temple. The complete fulfillment must await the day of the final judgment, when all wrong will be righted, all patient endurance rewarded.
St James summons the Christians, “Don’t grumble against each other, brothers,” for that would be yielding to impatience and irritability, and might lead to recriminations and rash judgments, thus meriting a severe sentence from the Judge, who is so near that he seems to be standing at the door.
Be patient, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. Think of a farmer; how patiently he waits for the land to yield the precious fruit and how patient he is for the autumn and the spring rains.
Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (Jas 5:7-11)
The early Christians suffered trials of various kinds, for justice’ sake. They were attacked for the name of Christ and slandered as criminals. Slaves suffered at the hands of their masters. The persecution was severe and widespread, but unofficial and spasmodic.
In his first letter, the Apostle St Peter offers words of consolation and encouragement to these sufferers. Since they were in danger of yielding under the strain of calumny and violence, the example of the suffering Christ is set before them (2:21), by whose blood they were ransomed (1:19), by whose resurrection God regenerated them, and destines them for eternal glory. Accordingly, they are urged to bear their sufferings patiently (2:18; 3:14; 4:13). Every Christian must practice virtue, submission to authority, charity, vigilance, and humility.
For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. (1 Pet 2:19)
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. (1 Pet 2:20)
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Pet 2:21)
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (1 Pet 2:23)
Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. (1 Pet 2:18)
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” (1 Pet 3:14)
But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Pet 4:13)
Toward their pagan neighbors who view them with suspicion, and hostility, Christians must adopt an attitude of nonresistance and bear evil patiently, without retaliating. Not even returning good for evil, but blessings for curses.
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Pet 3:9)
In his second letter, St Peter calls for self-control and patience, i.e., endurance of trials and sufferings with resignation. One who has reached this stage of perfection is endowed with “piety” or “godliness,” i.e. perfect conformity to God’s will.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, patience; and to patience, piety; and to piety, fraternal love; and to fraternal love, charity. (2 Pet 1:5-7)
The Archangel St Michael and the churches of Ephesus and Thyatira are praised for their patience.
But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 1:9)
[To the church of Ephesus] I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. (Apoc 2:2-3)
[To the church of Thyatira] I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. (Apoc 2:19)
Footnotes:
1 See in p. 000 the comments of St Gregory the Great and Pope John Paul II on the Book of Job.
2 See more on Our Lord’s patience in p. 000.
3 See St John Chrysostom’s comments on this parable in p. 000, An Eye for an Eye?