Road rage, instant downloads, buying on credit, all have one thing in common – they are often the result of impatience. Impatience on the road causes frustration and anger. We are sometimes too impatient for a CD to arrive in the post, so we opt for a download instead, even when we would have preferred the CD. Buying on credit is often because we don’t want to wait until we have saved up enough money – we want things now, not later. But is impatience wrong? Are there benefits to being patient? Patience is next to godliness In the Bible, patience is described as the fruit of the Spirit. That is, it is the result of God’s Spirit working in the lives of believers, making them more like him. It is therefore only a good thing. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23, NLT) Paul also tells Timothy: “Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11, NLT) Patience is most often put into practice when we have to be patient with other people: “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2, NLT) Patience matures when practiced “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:3–4, NLT) Hudson Taylor would tell those who wanted to be missionaries to China that there were three indispensable requirements for a missionary: Patience, Patience, Patience. When all other options are exhausted, patience is one of the ways to cope with suffering (along with prayer). It is also what Christians are called to, as we wait in confident assurance of going to be with the Lord. “I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us.” (Revelation 1:9, NLT) Patience leads to salvation Christians are told to be patient as we try to live godly lives, even when others around us seem to be doing well through crime or ungodly living. “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:7, NLT) The reason for being patient is that we have a hope for the future when justice will one day be done, for all wrongs, large and small. But since there is judgment to come, when all injustices and sins are addressed, we need to trust in the Lord Jesus for salvation from what we are due. In his mercy, those who trust in him, and his sacrifice on the cross, are forgiven. We look forward to the day when we will be freed from this world where sin abounds, to be with the Lord. But we must wait patiently for that time. “But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16, NLT) God is patient with us, giving us time to return to him. But his patience will not last forever. There is a limit on his patience, as there is a day ahead when time will have run out for us. And also, we only have a limited number of years to live in which we can turn to him: “That is why the LORD says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.” (Joel 2:12–13, NLT) Patient Christian hope Whether it is for release from suffering, or waiting to go and be with the Lord, the Christian’s patience has been summarised in prose by J. D. Smith (with a few old words modernsed): Waiting! Yes, patiently waiting! Till next steps made plain shall be; To hear, with the inner hearing, The Voice that will call for me. Waiting! Yes, quietly waiting! No need for an anxious dread; Shall He not assuredly guide me, Who gives me daily bread? Waiting! Yes, hopefully waiting! With hope that needn’t grow dim; The Master is pledged to guide me, And my eyes are unto Him. Waiting! Yes, expectantly waiting! Perhaps it may be today The Master will quickly open The gate to my future way. Waiting! Yes, trustfully waiting! I know, though I’ve waited long, That, while He withholds His purpose, His waiting cannot be wrong. Waiting! Yes, waiting, Still waiting! The Master will not be late; He knows that I am waiting For Him to unlatch the gate.