What does the Bible say about Patience and Perseverance? (2023)

Being patient and persevering can be difficult, especially when life throws us a curveball. As Christians, we look to the Bible as guidance to lead our way. The Bible speaks much about the subject of patience and perseverance. It could be said that it is one of the most crucial messages in all of Scripture.

What does the Bible say about Patience and Perseverance?

Patience, in the Bible, is mentioned roughly 30 times and even includes advice for how to have it. The apostle Paul said in Colossians “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming” (Colossians 6:2 NIV). This verse gives us a good indication of the importance of being patient— especially while we wait for the Lord’s will to be revealed. Furthermore, we can draw strength from this passage to help us endure while waiting for something that is uncertain or difficult.

The idea of perseverance or endurance is also put forth in the Bible. James 1:4 NIV states: “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” In this verse, “mature and complete” are the desired results of having patience and perseverance. Whereas patience is the practice of bearing things out, perseverance is the result of it, in that we are mature and complete when we remain committed to waiting.

The Bible also speaks to the negative consequences of being impatient and not persevering. Proverbs 13:4 says “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.” This is a warning to those who are easily discouraged. If we are not willing to hang in there, then we will not be able to reap the rewards of our efforts. The Bible is clear that hard work and patience is rewarded in the end. We should therefore remain hopeful promising future if we are patient and persevering now.

We can also gain a greater appreciation for patience and perseverance when we look back at the stories of faith in the Bible. Abraham, Joseph, Daniel, and many others all had to endure great trials in life. Thankfully, they held fast to their faith and were greatly rewarded in the end. This should be an encouragement to us, that our faithfulness will be justly rewarded in due course.

It is clear that patience and perseverance are essential attributes that Christians should strive to exhibit. The Bible provides us with stories and scriptures to encourage us to remain patient and to keep persevering even in the most difficult circumstances. With clear guidance from the Bible, we can make the right choices and stay on the right path.

The Pros of Patience and Perseverance

The Bible speaks to the good that comes out of patience and perseverance. The apostle Paul said that those who remain faithful to God will be rewarded, as mentioned in Galatians 6:7-9 NIV: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” This is a clear indication of the blessings awaiting those who wait for the Lord’s will with a believer’s heart. By seeking to please God, rather than ourselves, we reap the rewards.

We can also look at the positive consequences of patience and perseverance in the example of Jesus. His story of unwavering faith in the face of trials and temptations is clearly grasped by the New Testament writers. Matthew 4:1-11 relates to us the story of Jesus being tested by Satan after having gone without food for 40 days. After overcoming the temptations, Jesus was greatly rewarded. In the same way, if we remain faithful to God, things will ultimately work out for the best.

Finally, the Bible also speaks to us about being encouraged by each other’s faith. Romans 15:5-7 NIV states: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” This verse reminds us that we’re not alone in this journey. We can remain encouraged by the faith of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and use it as fuel to remain steadfast in our faith.

The Benefits of Being Patient and Persevering

The Bible speaks about the rewards of being patient and persevering. One of these blessings is the peace of mind that comes from placing our trust in God. What we learn from the above verses is that by striving to please God, rather than ourselves, our faith will be rewarded; not the least of which is peace. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This is another reminder of the benefits of being patient and trusting in our heavenly Father.

We can also glean better understanding from this verse. The peace that is promised comes from a place of knowledge. By remaining patient and trusting that God will sort out the details, we can rely on the assurances given in the Bible. Furthermore, this understanding will come more easily to those who choose to remain patient and willing to wait.

As an extension, another benefit of exhibiting patience and perseverance in our faith is being able to present our faith to others more effectively. When we exhibit patience in our own behavior, it is a testimony of our faith and a witness to the world. Our patience and perseverance will serve as an example to those around us, an example which they can follow if they so choose. Matthew 5:16 NIV states: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Let patience and perseverance carry us as an example of our faith.

A Positive Outlook for the Future

The Bible encourages us to remain optimistic in what the future holds if we remain patient and persevering. The Christian faith is built on the hope of a bright future, a future made possible through endurance and trust in God. The Bible speaks to this hope in this way: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. But without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). The above passage tells us that if we are patient and faithful, God will reward us in due course.

As such, this hope should give us the courage to be patient and to remain focused on God’s will, which is often hidden but always unfolds in due time. Even when it feels as though all our efforts are in vain, the promise of a better future is there for us. As we persevere through our difficulties, God is inevitably with us offering comfort and peace. Romans 8:28 NIV states: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse continues to assuage us of the eventual good that will come, as long as we rely on God’s will.

The Bible shows us that patience and perseverance will be rewarded in the end. If we practice what the Bible tells us, we will be rewarded with peace, knowledge, and hope. We can be encouraged and stay strong in our beliefs through the strength of the Holy Spirit, as well as through the example of other believers. With all of this in mind, we can be assured of the bright future that waits us if we remain patient and persevering. </