Feb 12 – Run with Patience!

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Some people run headlong without direction; some run driven by emotions. Some run like the hare and fall asleep midway. Others run in show and glitter, only to disappear without a trace.

The apostle Paul exhorts us to run with endurance—to run calmly, with a clear mind, steadily and patiently. Scripture says, “By your patience possess your souls” (Luke 21:19).

What is patience? The word patience carries many meanings. Remaining calm when others provoke anger or irritation is patience. Enduring sufferings, reproaches, and humiliations with joy is patience. Continuing to act in love even when relationships are strained or broken is patience.

Patience is one of the divine attributes of Christ. We learn patience by looking at the life of Christ Himself. How patiently He dealt with His disciples! Though they were with Him, they often failed to understand Him, could not grasp the meaning of His parables, and were slow of heart—yet He bore with them patiently.

Jesus remained patient even when He saw that the thoughts of His disciples were worldly in nature. And even when they fled during the time of His suffering, He patiently received them back to Himself afterward.

More than anything else, we stand in awe of Christ’s patience at the foot of the cross. When we read passages such as Matthew 26:59–68, Matthew 27:29–50, and 1 Peter 2:21–25, we clearly see how patiently He endured suffering, mockery, and shame. Scripture tells us that in doing so, He left us a great example to follow.

Children of God, let our patience declare to the world that we are truly the children of God (see Ephesians 4:1–3). Let our patience be evident in our love, in the fellowship of love, and in bearing with one another in love (see 1 Corinthians 13:4). Let our patience be seen in encouraging others, strengthening them, and helping them move forward.

Verse for further meditation: “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:7–8)