Embark on a journey through “Mortality and Divinity,” where each step uncovers the transformative power of Christian Virtues, beyond mere ideals, into the essence of a life shaped by Jesus’ love and grace. Delve into faith, hope, love, and more as we explore living as accurate reflections of God’s image. These virtues are concepts and invitations to deepen our relationship with our Creator and those around us. Together, let’s discover how these virtues weave into the fabric of our lives, guiding us to shape our communities and the world with the love of Christ.
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
(2 Peter 1:3–11, ESV)
As we dive deeper into our exploration of how we can mirror the divine character of our God, we’re reminded of the journey we’re on together. In our ongoing conversation about faith, we’ve unpacked several vital ingredients that bring us closer to reflecting God’s nature: the courage to live out our convictions (virtue), the pursuit of understanding (knowledge), and the practice of self-discipline (temperance). Today, we’re focusing on a concept that might seem simple at first glance but holds profound depth: patience.
Let’s start by unpacking what we mean when we talk about patience. We often think of patience as biting our tongue when we’re frustrated or waiting quietly in line. But there’s so much more to this word. In the original language of the New Testament, “patience” translates to hypomonē (ὑπομονή), a term that carries the weight of endurance, steadiness, and perseverance through trials without losing hope or joy.
The ancient Greeks saw this concept in two lights: on the one hand, as the noble ability to stay steady and constant through challenges (a hallmark of strength), and on the other, as a resigned acceptance of suffering, which might be viewed less positively. Yet, from a Christian perspective, patience is seen as a virtue of endurance and constancy, a far cry from passive resignation.
Scripture teaches us much about patience:
- Jesus tells us that patient endurance is a sign of fruitful, good soil (Luke 8:15).The apostle Paul speaks of trials we must endure, encouraging us to persevere in our faith (Romans 5:2-5; 12:12; 2 Corinthians 1:6; Hebrews 10:32,39; Revelation 13:10; 14:9).
- Patience is essential for hope and, thereby, for our salvation (Romans 2:7; 2 Timothy 2:11f; James 1:12).
- Throughout the Old Testament, we are repeatedly called to wait on the Lord, a command that many find challenging yet is crucial for our reliance on God (Psalms 25:3,5; 27:14; 37:7,9,34; 123:2; Isaiah 8:17; 40:31).
- God is our strength and shield; in Him, our hearts find the patience we need to endure (Colossians 1:11; Romans 15:5; James 1:2-4; Romans 5:2-5).
Learning to embrace patience means accepting what we cannot control with a heart of peace rather than resentment. It’s about trusting God’s timing, leaning on His strength, and finding joy and hope even amid trials.
Examples of such steadfast patience are found throughout the Bible:
- Consider Job, who is celebrated for his perseverance despite overwhelming loss and suffering (James 5:9-11).
- Look to Jesus, the perfect model of patience, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him (1 Peter 2:21; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Hebrews 12:2).
- And Paul, whose sufferings testify to the steadfastness of his faith and character.
In conclusion, patience is not merely about waiting but about how we wait and what we become in the process. It’s a journey of growth, trust, and becoming more like our God, who is patient with us all.
~PW 🌮🛶
Phillip W. Martin 
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