It is a virtue, right?  It is one of the essentials for “right living, not so?

The saying about patience that can endure so much comes from a poem by Dante (Paradiso Canto XXI – The Divine Comedy), written in the early 14th century. Without speaking Italian the words are almost comprehensible in the musical rhythm of his poem:
O, pazienza, pazienza che tanto sostieni!  

O patience that endures so much!

We often make light of the importance of patience.  When frustration and anger erupt, one almost feels justified by the perceived injustice of a matter, and patience fades into the background of our feeble attempts to “right living”.  In most cases, other people are the cause of impatience, though technology and devices may not be far behind.  When it comes to malfunctioning equipment, our impatience becomes our own embarrassment or joke.  With other people, however, it can escalate into broken relationships and deep sorrow.  Offense is the disease of hurt feelings and emotional blood flowing.

We have so often spoken about the trap of offense.  Jesus warns against it in Luke 17, emphasizing its inevitability.  This is where the “70×7 conversation” is recorded.  Yes, indeed—forgiveness as a lifestyle.  It is not something that comes naturally.  It is so human to see a matter only from one perspective.  Consider the thousands of pages of legal arguments delivered in truckloads to judges, all for a ruling with some measure of fairness and truth on a single issue.

…train yourself in godliness. (1 Timothy 4:7)

It doesn’t help to simply know the Word.  We must be doers of the Word.

…and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness. (2 Peter 1:6)

This is spiritual “gym.”  Patience with the foolishness and nastiness of others requires a dependence on Jesus in prayer for constant inner strength to keep your soul and heart free of offense.

The reward is great.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.(1 Timothy 6:6)

Our perfect example is always Jesus.  Turn with me to Matthew 20, where Jesus warns His disciples about the hardships to come:

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside privately and said to them on the way, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked, flogged, and crucified. On the third day, He will be raised to life.” (Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34)

This is the third time Jesus warns His disciples about the Cross. (Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23).  In this third announcement of His suffering, Jesus is more explicit than in the previous two, referring to the scourging by the Gentiles and the crucifixion.  He provides more details.

Mark and Luke describe an atmosphere of dread and expectation of the tragedy to come. Jesus walked ahead alone, and the disciples were amazed and afraid. (Mark 10:32-34).

Jesus wanted to prepare them, giving them the prophetic word to encourage them to understand and process the difficult times with hope.

In the following verses, the mother of Zebedee’s sons (James and John) asks about their positions in the Kingdom.  It sounds so insensitive!  Did they understand correctly?  It is spelled out—betrayal, torture, and death lie ahead.  Is it misunderstanding or deep trust in ultimate victory?

Jesus speaks of the cup of suffering He must drink.  Is it mere arrogance, ignoring what He has just said, that allows them to declare confidently, “We can!”?

In light of the events that follow—where we, with the luxury of hindsight, can evaluate the words of James and John—the harsh reality of a Roman execution profoundly tested their boldness.  Despite fleeing in fear and hiding behind locked doors, none of the disciples, except the betrayer Judas, who sought to use Jesus for his own political ambitions, forfeited their full potential in the Kingdom.  James became the first martyr among the Twelve, and John survived Patmos and wrote the Gospel, epistles, and the Revelation.

But back to the road to Jerusalem. Jesus patiently guides them toward the correct understanding of greatness in the Kingdom. His explanation stands for all time and eternity:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.“(Matthew 20:26-28)

Jesus sums up His entire purpose on earth in one sentence.

The Son of Man came to serve and to give His life.  This is the essence of patience—servanthood and sacrifice.  In this passage, we see the paradox of time—suffering and sorrow ahead, coupled with the promise of victory.  No warning can truly prepare us for our reactions and thoughts during dark times.  But…we live in the assurance that God always fulfills His promises—ALWAYS!

No sorrow or hardship will rob us of our full potential in God’s Kingdom. Sorrow and hardship, surrendered to God, will lead us to the highest good—godliness and contentment.  That is gain.