by Mike James

The Bible has a lot of positive things to say about patience. So does the world, as the title of this article mentions. A virtue is right or moral behavior, so I think it is important for us to develop our patience. One definition of patience is the ability to wait, or to continue doing something despite difficulties, or to suffer without complaining or becoming annoyed. Wow! Sounds like a tough assignment, but let’s get a little deeper with patience.

Romans 12:12 reads, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (NIV). Sometimes, being patient will include dealing with afflictions or being upset. In those types of troubled times, we will need to pray. The longer you are in those situations, the more hope will be developed. Troubling times in my life have prepared me for troubling times in the future. Knowing you have moved through trouble once makes your hope to overcome future trouble easier to handle.