Patience isn’t passive—it’s active trust in God’s timing, even when life feels unfair or slow. The Bible calls us to endure with hope, strengthened by the Spirit and inspired by examples like Job, Abraham, and Jesus Himself.
The Bible contains numerous examples of people who were characterized by their patience in the face of trials, including the Father of Israel, Abraham (Hebrews 6:15). Job is also a great example of a man acting in patience instead of disobedience to God; in James 5:10-11, he and the prophets are used as examples of how Christians are to respond to difficult situations. The greatest example of patience is Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:1-2). As new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we can manifest patience since it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). God is good to those who wait for Him (Lamentations 3:25), though patient waiting can be difficult when we face trials—especially when we see evil people prosper (Psalm 37:7). As we persevere and rejoice under such trials (James 1:2-4), we should exercise the patience mentioned in Hebrews 12:1; the writer tells us to endure, which requires patience, but also “run” which requires action, not passivity. Because our human nature is not inclined towards patience, we must build patience into our character, which we must fully rely on God’s strength and power to accomplish (Colossians 1:11).
Since patience is not easy, it can feel like our impatience is righteous anger in the face of irritations and trials. While it is human to feel this impatience, we are called to trust in God's divine timing, sovereignty, and love. Specific actions can help us develop patience.
First, we can regularly thank God for His unwavering love and support (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; 1 Peter 1:6). Making a habit of doing that helps us to recognize that God is working in our lives even amid trials; without thankfulness, we might focus on the trial rather than the Lord’s blessings during it.
We can also seek His purpose, knowing that there may be many reasons for the hardships we face—such as experiencing them to witness God's redeeming love. Ask God to strengthen your faith and to help you recognize what He intends for you to gain from what you’re experiencing.
Meditating on God's promises is another way to develop patience. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works for the good of those who love Him. We can rest in this promise when we feel stuck in the midst of pain and hardship. We have the strength of God and the hope in His promise to always work in our favor as we develop patience. Romans 2:7 reassures us that, "to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life."