More Thoughts on Patience
The verb translated “forgive” (aphiemi) means literally “to hurl away.” Paul had that in mind when he wrote, “I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience” (1 Tim. 1:16; cf. Matt. 7:11). An unforgiving spirit not only is inconsistent for one who has been totally forgiven by God, but also bears the chastening of God rather than His mercy.
You and I have an immeasurable privilege and responsibility to bear the name of Christ in a worthy manner. This was a consistent theme throughout Paul’s epistles. To the Ephesians he wrote, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:1–3).
Source: MacArthur, J. (1995). Alone with God. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books
Whether you’re a pastor or not, how would the Lord have you respond to wearisome people? By being patient with them. How patient? More patient than you’ve been. Think how patient God has been with you. In fact, God describes Himself as “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger” (Ex. 34:6). Patience is a communicable attribute of God, which means it should also characterize His children.
Recall this interchange between Peter and Jesus: “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (Matt. 18:21–22). Since the religious leaders of the day said to forgive up to three times, Peter must have thought he was being exceptionally generous by suggesting over twice that amount. But Jesus presented some mind-boggling multiplication of His own, all to communicate a spirit of ongoing patience with wearisome Christians who keep doing the same thing to us over and over again. Such compassion and personal love changes people—even the wearisome. Source: MacArthur, J. (1996, c1993). Anxiety attacked / John MacArthur, Jr. - Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.
Galatians 5:22 refers to patience with other people. As already noted, we become bitterly impatient when other people cause us to suffer. For example, if we are hurt by slander we rightly want vindication. We are tempted to vindicate ourselves. Unless other people are suffering because of the slander, it is better to remain quiet and let God vindicate us. He can do it better and more thoroughly (Rom. 12:17–21).
Source: Sproul, R. (2000, c1994). Vol. 4: Before the face of God: Grand Rapids: Baker Book House; Ligonier Ministries.
You and I have an immeasurable privilege and responsibility to bear the name of Christ in a worthy manner. This was a consistent theme throughout Paul’s epistles. To the Ephesians he wrote, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:1–3).
Source: MacArthur, J. (1995). Alone with God. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books
Whether you’re a pastor or not, how would the Lord have you respond to wearisome people? By being patient with them. How patient? More patient than you’ve been. Think how patient God has been with you. In fact, God describes Himself as “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger” (Ex. 34:6). Patience is a communicable attribute of God, which means it should also characterize His children.
Recall this interchange between Peter and Jesus: “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (Matt. 18:21–22). Since the religious leaders of the day said to forgive up to three times, Peter must have thought he was being exceptionally generous by suggesting over twice that amount. But Jesus presented some mind-boggling multiplication of His own, all to communicate a spirit of ongoing patience with wearisome Christians who keep doing the same thing to us over and over again. Such compassion and personal love changes people—even the wearisome. Source: MacArthur, J. (1996, c1993). Anxiety attacked / John MacArthur, Jr. - Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.
Galatians 5:22 refers to patience with other people. As already noted, we become bitterly impatient when other people cause us to suffer. For example, if we are hurt by slander we rightly want vindication. We are tempted to vindicate ourselves. Unless other people are suffering because of the slander, it is better to remain quiet and let God vindicate us. He can do it better and more thoroughly (Rom. 12:17–21).
Source: Sproul, R. (2000, c1994). Vol. 4: Before the face of God: Grand Rapids: Baker Book House; Ligonier Ministries.
sung by Rick at 12:16 PM
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