Blessings in the Mighty Name of Yeshua Hamashiach!
Happy Monday Morning!
Though patience is often associated with waiting, and waiting is often associated with passivity or a gentle tolerance, the biblical meaning of patience does not imply passivity. Most of the Greek words translated as "patience" in the New Testament are active and robust. Hebrews 12:1 provides an example of this (note that "patience" in this verse is translated to "endurance"). "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Persevering in a race takes endurance, and followers of Christ are similarly expected to endure trials, be on the look out for promises to be fulfilled, and have self-discipline when reaching for a goal. This is a patient stance, but not a passive one.
Because our human nature is not inclined towards patience, we must make the choice to build patience into our character. As with everything else, however, we need God's strength and grace to develop this fruit in our lives (Colossians 1:11). The trials that we face are opportunities for us to perfect our patience through Christ's support (James 1:2–4). We are called to rest in God's perfect timing, which is beyond our linear understanding, when we face unfairness and wicked schemes (Psalm 37:7). Our development of patience hinges on our hope that "the coming of the Lord is at hand" (James 5:7–8) and that "The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him" (Lamentations 3:25).
Shalom
Pastor Williams