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Is Patience Really a Virtue? Thoughts on James 1:2-4

My friend and I were having a wonderful conversation about life changes, God’s timing, and God’s plan for our lives.

I purposely left out the “P” word, otherwise known as patience, and she just had to throw it in. 

“No, I didn’t mention the “P” word, Shish about the “P” word.” I say, or something to that effect. 

This conversation ended a while back and here I am still pondering the word. “Why-O-why did she have to go and mention the “P” word? In all honesty, I’m so glad she did. Over the last few weeks, I have had thoughts that seemed to lead to nowhere and now I have direction—the missing ingredient to all I have been trying to understand. Sometimes it’s easier for me to preach than to practice.

For example, here is a snapshot of one of my latest conversations.

“I know this is God’s call on my life, but I wish this phase were over”, he says.

“I understand it would be difficult to be apart from your family, but don’t wish away this time because you just might miss out on the most important thing God is trying to teach you.”

Ha—easy for me to say.

Enter in the word patience—it sent me straight to the dictionary. If you are anything like me, you know what a word means, but sometimes you don’t really think about its implications.

Patience = the will or ability to wait or endure without complaint; steadiness, endurance or perseverance in the performance of a task.

With a fresh understanding of the word, I run to my Bible for comfort, because at first glance patience sounds like a tool rather than a virtue—a torture device to be exact!

To endure without complaint—makes me think of Jesus. Can you imagine knowing that you were going to be put to death; a very painful death—a shameful death and you keep silent? How was he able to endure without complaint? How was he able to complete the task set before him? He was able to do it because entrusted himself to his father. He looked to the positive results of his obedience and he knew there was purpose in the process. (Hmm.)

“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Jesus Christ, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5

I am beginning to see a bigger picture unfold. God will never ask us to do something that he hasn’t already done. This is very encouraging. As a Believer, I am saying that I trust God’s plan for my life. When it comes down to it, am I just paying lip service?

Still, exercising patience has an additional purpose beside the foundational trust issue of those who claim to have faith in Jesus. God doesn’t allow things to come into our lives just to give us an opportunity to prove our allegiance—He isn’t a cruel God. So what is this additional purpose and is it essential?

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

“That you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” In other words, there is purpose in the process.

If I wish away my current circumstances, it’s likely that I will miss out on the lesson and the gift that God has in store. How then would I learn how to do things better the next time around?  How then would I see a problem coming my way and avoid it—this I believe is the gift.

Patience has become a bad word—something we think we should be praying for, but in actuality, it is something we already possess. The question is will we choose to walk in it during the uncomfortable times of our lives.  Instead of complaining, we should be excited—we should be anticipating the good thing God has planned.

Getting back to my comment to the one who is wishing away his current situation, which by the way, is a good place to be. Nevertheless, he still finds himself impatient. He wants this part of his life to be over so he can enjoy what he sees at arms-length.  Why do we do this?  Consider a brand-new parent. I was guilty of it as well. “I can’t wait until she can crawl…I can’t wait until she can walk, I can’t wait, I can’t wait, I can’t wait…and suddenly she is an adult.

We learn how to be a parent by enduring the process—step by step, we improve. We learn the value of being in the moment and we gain skills to make life easier in the future. Consider any other situation in life. This same truth applies.

With a renewed look at God’s love for me--His desire that I be perfect and lacking nothing, I see patience as a gift of love from my Savior. I no longer wish to rush through the process, but I move forward in uncertainly with great excitement and confidence that my heavenly Father has something wonderful in store for me—and I don’t want to miss it.

 © Teresa Ortiz

» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow in CO (2 years 163 days ago.)

YES, the one thing I try to never pray for, patience. SO, if we are realaly mature in our Lord do we pray for patience? I think my mentioned that maybe patience is a choice... in gorcery store lines (the tape on the machine runs out, the one in front of me needs to have the manager approve their check, the one in front of me forgot eggs "be right back"..... Yes, I think I am retaking the midterm on Patience 101 daily and maybe growing a tiny? Your piece brought smiles and a challenge. Marijo

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» left by Anonymous (2 years 162 days ago.)

Hi Marijo, glad you enjoyed this lesson, I certainly needed it!

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» left by Lance Ponder⁽⁹⁰⁾ (2 years 160 days ago.)

An excellent lesson. Thanks for sharing.

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» left by Teresa^(1,655) (2 years 160 days ago.)

Thanks Lance, It's good to hear from you. I appreciate the comment. It's a lesson I need on a continual basis it seems.

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» left by marlon from india (1 year 238 days ago.)

Very nice article Teresa. Patience I guess is the bedrock of all other virtues. Regards Marlon

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