THE CHRISTIAN VIRTE OF PATIENCE

THE CHRISTIAN VIRTUE OF PATIENCE

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 (NKJV)

The Greek word patience translated in the New Testament is a compound word. It is a preposition meaning “endure” and a verb meaning “to abide”. Patience means to abide, endure and hold steady whatever the condition.

There are two aspects in the word patience in the context of Scripture. Patience may be passive- that is steadfastness without agitation or reactive action or avoidance. Patience may be active-  a bearing of the load. Both aspects according to St. James are profitable in the Christian life.

The Apostle James affirms patience as helpful in perfecting the Christian life. One does not stand in his own strength in occasions which call for patience, for God empowers him to be steadfast. The Bible does not convey the message that the followers and disciples of Christ would have easy, comfortable, trouble free, prosperous lives, all the way. The journey of the Christian is not smooth all the way. There are bumps, curves, valleys, plains, hills, rocks, deserts, and wilderness..

There is a popular theology today known as the  health and wealth gospel. The problem with this gospel is that it contradicts the true gospel, and goes against the historical experience of God’s people through the generations.

James addressed his epistle to the Jews who were scattered abroad. There was the dispersal of the Jews  throughout the world. This was a national tragedy for them. They experienced diverse trials. James exhorted them saying, “Count it all joy when you are surrounded by trials of every sort.” This is a strange statement. How can there be joy in trials?

The apostle James seems to imply that the key is to look at the trials from an intellectual not an emotional perspective. If one should view the various trials he undergoes from God’s perspective and recognize them, as producing something very valuable in his life, notwithstanding the unpleasant experience, the benefits derived is joy. There is not joy in the trial itself, but the benefits derived are joyful. Job describes it this way: But He knoweth the way that I take; when He hath tried me I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10)

The Apostle James uses the phrase “the testing of your faith” which calls for the proving of our faith. Faith can grow and be refined by being tested.

Patience grows out of trials. Faith develops and become steadfast in trials. As muscles develop strength by being used and made to endure heavy lifting, patience develops and grows from the exercise of faith. We are encouraged to apply the grace of patience in our lives. We need to seek God’s Hand in our trials and trust Him, even if we do not understand what is happening and pray He will reveal what He is teaching us in these trying times. St. James says, “Let patience have its perfect work.”