(Read James 5)
Impatience is undoubtedly my weakest attribute. One of the earliest examples of this failure occurred when I was about 10 or 11 years old and stole a pack of gum at a store because I couldn’t wait for my mom to buy it for me. I felt horrible afterward and wanted to return it, but it was too late. Reflecting on the seven deadly sins—pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth—I realize that impatience is the root cause of nearly all of them in my life. From a Christian perspective, one of the most poignant remarks about impatience comes from pastor and apologist Tim Keller. He humorously pointed out that our impatience is essentially telling God that His plan “sucks.”
I talked with several friends this week about patience. Some of us are better at it than others. One very close friend pointed out that patience is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. He added that the Bible teaches patience, which is vital to our relationship with God and others. It’s a window straight to our hearts. When impatient, we demonstrate to God and everyone else, “I’m more important than you. I come first. I know better. I trust myself more than you.”
Of all the sins in my life, which now number in the tens of thousands, I can guarantee that most stem from an impatient heart. A constant need for immediate gratification drove my reckless behavior in high school and college. At that time, I wasn’t in a close relationship with Christ, and my moral foundations were more about publicly staying between the lines and not getting caught rather than genuine spiritual conviction. While I could attribute some of my impulsive habits to nature and nurture, particularly my father’s fiery influence, there comes a point when we must all take accountability for our own actions.
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
Proverbs 15:18
In this wisdom literature, Solomon demonstrated that hot-tempered, wrathful individuals are prone to anger and outbursts, often exacerbating conflicts and making situations worse. Arguments are rarely resolved by those who can shout louder or argue more forcefully; instead, they are best navigated through reason, thoughtfulness, and a pursuit of harmony. Typically, patient individuals are also slow to anger. They possess the ability to control their emotions and respond thoughtfully, making them more likely to de-escalate quarrels and guide them toward peaceful resolutions.
Proverbs often contrast righteous behavior with wicked behavior, associating patience and calmness with wisdom and righteousness while linking hot-temperedness to folly and sin. Solomon illustrates these dual aspects of moral conduct in his writings. The importance of patience is underscored throughout the Bible, with specific references in Proverbs, Psalms, Ephesians, Romans, Philippians, Galatians, and James. Patience and self-control undeniably contribute to greater harmony in our world. Calmness and reason reduce disagreements and foster peace.
When we love each other as Jesus loves us, we do not succumb to jealousy or covet our neighbor’s possessions, nor are we drawn to improper relationships. Demonstrating patience and relinquishing the desire to have everything on our terms and timing reflects spiritual maturity. God created us to live in harmony with His creation and, more importantly, to trust in His plan and timing, allowing all things to work together for our good and His glory. Patience shifts our focus from us to Him, aligning us more closely with His will.
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.
He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
Genesis 3:1-6
We can infer various aspects of our fall from the Garden of Eden. Perhaps Adam and Eve were bored, naive, jealous, or insecure. Ultimately, the serpent challenged their belief that only God had the right to know the truth of good and evil. Adam and Eve shifted their trust from God to the serpent, allowing doubts to grow into impatient actions. The rest is history. Had they forgotten God’s goodness? Were they blind to everything He had created for them, or were they simply envious of what God possessed? They had no need for additional knowledge in a world devoid of evil. However, their desire for more was exploited by the serpent, who preyed upon their lack of patience.
Eve was tempted by the prospect of gaining god-like knowledge, transcending human limitations, and ultimately succumbs to the temptation. This passage marked the introduction of sin into the world, bringing consequences such as shame, toil, and death. Eve’s response showed that she understood God’s provision but also allowed further dialogue with the serpent. The tempter always seeks to cast doubt on our faith and God’s commands. He aims to prevent us from contemplating, considering the consequences, and praying about our decisions. Satan wants us to make impulsive choices and rush into significant life issues, leading us to trust anything other than God’s will for us.
The serpent’s role underscores how sin often begins with deception and doubt about God’s word. Sin is not merely an act of disobedience but a process involving the questioning and eventual rejection of God’s truth. Although the immediate verses do not detail the consequences, they set the stage for the ensuing judgment and curse. Eating the forbidden fruit introduces sin into the human experience, resulting in separation from God, shame, and suffering.
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
James 5:7–9
In his letter, James, Jesus’ brother, told believers to cultivate patience while waiting for the Lord to return. He emphasized that this patience isn’t just sitting around—it means staying strong in faith and doing what’s right. James compared it to a farmer waiting for crops to grow. Just like a farmer trusts the rain will come and bring a good harvest, believers should eagerly wait for Christ’s return with hope and trust.
James directly addressed the crucial need for patience amidst suffering and trials. He emphasized that trials are inevitable in the Christian journey but are temporary. Patience and perseverance are indispensable qualities for believers to navigate these challenges. James firmly reminds us of the importance of aligning our lives with God’s will and the righteousness of His ultimate judgment.
Patience appears in various forms. It includes waiting expectantly for blessings and enduring through times of suffering. There are moments when impatience is necessary—like for a firefighter rushing to a fire or a surgeon preparing for emergency surgery—where time is crucial and every second counts. However, in such instances, urgency stems from the situation’s demands, not from doubting God’s plan.
My wife, who is one of the most patient people I know, told me that when she was a child she was given a gift of flowers from her mother that she said represented her well. They were Impatiens. Even though she would grow up to be a school teacher, my wife had a restless side to her that couldn’t wait for anything.
Our true test of faith lies in our ability to trust in God’s provisions regardless of the circumstances before us. This trust communicates volumes to Him about our faith and reliance on His guidance.
Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James 5:10-11
If any Bible verse, chapter, or book encapsulates the essence of trusting in God, it is this one. We are not blindly hoping for deliverance; instead, we are placing our hope in the promise of something already fulfilled. Waiting patiently for circumstances to change can be challenging, but it is wise to exercise patience when our Heavenly Father has assured us of His imminent return.
Impatience, in contrast, often leads to sin. Whether it manifests in pornography, alcoholism, drug addiction, gossip, or cheating, these are all examples of human corruption driven by a desire for immediate gratification. Far more significant than “if it feels good” now is the enduring joy we’ll find when trusting in God for fulfillment in life and eternal redemption. Christian patience transforms immediate gratification into “if it feels good forever” feelings.
Barney Stinson, played by Neil Patrick Harris, from the TV show “How I Met Your Mother,” frequently used the phrase “Wait for it” to build suspense before delivering a punchline. In the lens of a Christ follower, it means so much more. Waiting for it is about waiting for God. It’s about trusting His timing, not about suspense. By cultivating patience, we become more Christ-like and better reflect His love to the world around us.
Adam and Eve didn’t wait for God’s promise, but we see the promise of redemption in Jesus (foreshadowed in God’s plan to defeat the serpent – Genesis 3:15).
Key Application:
- Just as a farmer patiently waits for the harvest, we are encouraged to endure our faith journey and daily challenges patiently. Trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when we face difficulties or delays.
- Instead of complaining or becoming discouraged during trials, use these times to grow spiritually. Patience helps us maintain a positive attitude and trust in God’s plan.
- This week, pray that we maintain a hopeful and joyful attitude as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises. The return of Christ is our ultimate hope, motivating us to live faithfully and patiently in anticipation of His coming. Rejoice, again, I say rejoice!