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.
9 The Lord is not slow concerning his promise (tho' some men count it slowness) but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
8 But, beloved, be not ye ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
16 Yet for this cause I obtained mercy, that on me the chief Jesus Christ might shew all long-suffering, for a pattern to them who should hereafter believe in him to life everlasting.
Esperar com paciência
Os que esperam no Senhor renovam as forças. A paciência produz caráter, e o caráter produz esperança que não decepciona.
25 But if we hope for what we see not, we patiently wait for it.
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, continue instant in prayer.
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 suffereth long and is kind; love envieth not; love acteth not rashly, is not puffed up:5 Doth not behave indecently, seeketh not her own, is not provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not at iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth:
9 But let us not be weary of well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
5 Now the God of patience and consolation give you to think the same thing, according to Christ Jesus,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering,
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering:
2 be instant in season, out of season; convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.
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 to the end, the same shall be saved.
42 Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord cometh.
11 I come quickly. Hold fast what thou hast, that none take thy crown.