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"Be patient therefore, Brothers, until the coming for the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives early and late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, Brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold the judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful." James 5:7-11

In this passage, Biblical patience is illustrated via the picture of a farmer. Note that a farmer is patient, but he is not idle. He is always weeding, repairing tools, building walls, etc. A farmer cares for what has been entrusted to him. Likewise, while we wait on God, and his perfect timing, we also must work. When we reap the benefit, the wait-time will seem short.

We wait with hope and joy, anticipating the coming relief. How we wait is important: we must establish and strengthen our heart to have spiritual resolve and not waiver. Discouragement can make you want to give up, but in the passage, James gives us motivation. He tells us to "be patient, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." Our fulfillment isn't far off! Each moment brings us closer to Jesus's return! And how should we shore up our resolve? By preaching the gospel to ourselves!

Impatience can tempt us to grumble and complain, and can be a joy killer that spreads to others in the community. When Jesus comes back, would we want him to find us being miserable and causing one another to be miserable? Of course not. A heart filled with negativity will displease our father in heaven. Remember that the end of the story is blessing, and those who are patient will be blessed.