This is installment #2 of 2 I plan to post about Patience. The sermon idea was here and Post #1 was here. Patience in the Greek is sort of like love. We use love to describe the love of a friend, lust (a misnomer), and God’s love. The Greeks had different words to describe those emotions. Patience is the same way. Here is what I mean:

One word for patience is used as our response at the hands of others. The old KJV and the NKJV uses the word “longsuffering.” You suffer long under the mistreatment of others without growing bitter or resentful or vengeful. Included in this is ridicule, scorn, insults, and undeserved rebukes.

Another word is the provocation of the godly person by others. Some people make it their mission in life to make life miserable for those who choose to follow Christ. This is different from the first because the first is most often out of our control; while this one is a challenge to it.

Another time patience is needed is toward the faults and failures of others. I know…we all fall into that. But actually, this is a bit different. Follow someone in the car whose idea of the 55 mph speed limit is 45. Or have the neighbor’s dog use your yard for his business and the owner does nothing about cleaning up afterwards. This is translated “forebearance” which literally means “to put up with.”

The final is waiting on God. I confess to screaming at God, punching a pillow (a wall hurts), or crying or threatening to quit. What amazes me is God continues putting up with my childishness. Waiting on God is never easy, but essential.

There is a lot more to be said about patience. I reckon it will have to wait for another time. 🙂  Which of these types have you experienced?