Patience functions as an essential attribute in the life of every faithful believer. The Bible clearly points to patience as necessary for the development of experience and hope (Romans 5:3-5). Additionally, patience makes the believer “perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4). In fact, Peter's second epistle promises that the believer possessing patience “shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-9). Therefore, the Bible seems to emphatically proclaim that men “have need of patience” (Hebrews 10:36). Patience is especially necessary in times of trial and during periods of uncertainty. Patience will not be necessary in eternity, but life on earth presents times that demand the utmost patience.
Every mature Christian knows that physical strength remains incapable of scaling the spiritual heights of the Christian life. Yet, far too many Christians spend enormous efforts in trying to live the Christian life in their own power. Sooner or later, they all experience the sheer futility of such an endeavour. The Christian life is to be lived and developed in the spiritual realm, never the physical one. Spiritual maturity comes as building blocks that are placed one upon another. Interestingly, when a man begins walking in the power of the Spirit, God opens his eyes to each new area of life in need of attention, correction, and growth. Today’s passage refers to several of these attributes. Each characteristic builds upon the previous ones; things like virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. Every believer ought to strive to exemplify these, yet the Bible identifies one as foundational to them all. According to 2 Peter 1:5, faith remains foundational as the first grace to which believers are to add all others. Those who neglect faith have nothing upon which to build.
