Paciência
A paciência é fruto do Espírito e virtude essencial da vida cristã. Deus é paciente conosco, e nos chama a ser pacientes com os outros e nas provações.
A paciência de Deus
Deus é clemente e tardio em irar-se. Sua paciência revela seu desejo de que todos se arrependam e cheguem ao conhecimento da verdade.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in mercy.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repents him of the evil.
16 Nevertheless for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
Esperar com paciência
Os que esperam no Senhor renovam as forças. A paciência produz caráter, e o caráter produz esperança que não decepciona.
14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen yours heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.
3 My voice shall you hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto you, and will look up.
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
14 The LORD shall fight for you, and all of you shall hold your peace.
Paciência nas provações
O amor é paciente. A paciência é marca de maturidade espiritual e nos permite perseverar mesmo quando as circunstâncias são adversas.
4 Love (o. agape) suffers long, and is kind; love (o. agape) envies not; love (o. agape) vaunts not itself, is not puffed up,5 Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil;
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; (o. agape)
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
2 Preach the word; (o. logos) be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Perseverança até o fim
Quem perseverar até o fim será salvo. O domínio próprio é maior que a conquista de uma cidade.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
42 Watch therefore: for all of you know not what hour your Lord does come.
32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city.
29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly.
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown.
5 For his anger endures but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.