<%@ Page Language="VB" ContentType="text/html" ResponseEncoding="iso-8859-1" %> Untitled Document "BE PATIENT WITH ALL"

Among other things, Paul told the Thessalonians to warn the unruly, to comfort the fainthearted, to uphold the weak, and to "be patient with all" (1 Thes. 5:14).

Patience is defined as the capacity to endure hardship or inconvenience without complaint. To "be patient with all" suggests forbearance in association with others when their personality may be irritating, or their behavior may show a disappointing lack of spirituality.

Patience is a vital part of the Christian's character. Christ said, "By your patience possess your souls" (Lk. 21:19). Patience is listed with virtues to be pursued--..."pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness" (1 Tim. 6: 11).

Without patience the Christian's character falls short: "But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (Jas. 1:4). Patience is one of the vital steps to heaven -- faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, love, "for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:5-11) "Be patient with all."

By Billy Norris via Gospel Power, Vol. 13, No. 40, Oct. 1, 2006.

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