Need of Patience by R. C. B.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 12, 1871

Need of Patience.

By R. C. B.

“FOR ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Heb. 10:36.

If patience is necessary in waiting for the coming of our adorable Redeemer, after we have accomplished the will of God, how exceedingly necessary it must be in making the requisite preparation for that event.

How many of us have fully overcome the sin of impatience? How many can bear with perfect serenity the petty trials of life? How many are there who never speak petulantly to the children? never give short, crusty answers? who can bear to be ill-treated and falsely accused without resentment?

The life of Jesus is set forth for our example. When he was reviled, he reviled not again. Nay, more, he prays, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” If Jesus could forgive his murderers, and bear their impious revilings without a murmur, how must he regard those who fret at their best friends, and repine at every little thwarting of their cherished plans? Oh! how little of his own lovely character does he see reflected in his professed people!

How the lack of forbearance and patience among brethren must grieve him whose longsuffering has been so great toward every one of us.

Brethren and sisters, let us remember that patience is next to godliness in the ascending scale of Christian perfection. Before we attain to a very exalted standard of piety, we must have this essential element of Christian character perfected in us. Let us strive for it earnestly, that it may soon be said of all who profess to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, “Here is the patience of the saints.”

R. C. B.