For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Hebrews 10:36. In your patience possess ye your souls. Luke 21:19. Let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1.
"Patience" has been much recommended by the Savior. He has made patience an indispensable condition of salvation. We can not possess our souls and obtain salvation except by patience. Just as earnestly does Paul emphasize the necessity of patience. He declares that we cannot receive the promises of God, not do the will of God, without patience. He represents it to Timothy as an object he should follow after (1 Timothy 6:2). He admonishes Titus to tell the aged men that they were to be just as sound in patience as in faith (Titus 2:2). He whose patience is ailing, is certainly not sound in faith. Paul says to the Corinthians that our salvation is revealed in that we suffer patiently. He says, ”In all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God in much patience" (2 Corinthians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 6:4). But patience is especially necessary in the hour when persecution and temptation come upon the believers. Then no power avails; then nothing avails but the patience and the faith of the saints (Revelation 13:10). This virtue, which above all others is necessary, beautiful, rare, difficult, strong and noble where do we find it? Where we find all: at the cross of Jesus. He who has learned to dwell with the most patient and holy of cross-bearers, who looks intently into His patient and loving heart, learns and receives of the Lamb the nature of a lamb.
When worn with pain, disease, and grief.
This feeble body see;
Grant patience, rest, and kind relief;
Good Lord, remember me.