Today's text includes the exhortation to be “patient toward all men.” Every sincere Christian realizes and recognizes the graciousness that God displays toward His children. Regardless of the goodness of God toward us, it still remains difficult to consistently demonstrate patience toward others. However, exhibiting patience is especially important for anyone in a leadership position, especially those involved in the work of God. According to God's word, the apostle Paul exemplified patience in his dealings with other believers (2 Corinthians 6:4; 2 Corinthians 12:12). This should come as no surprise since one of the basic requirements for the man of God involves patience (1 Timothy 3:3; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:24). God's people ought to be known for their patience toward others. In the homes, we should be patient with our spouses and children. At work, we should be patient with our coworkers, employers, and employees. In the Lord’s work, we ought to be especially patient with those striving to grow in the Lord.
Some people attribute a lack of joy to unfavourable circumstances. They believe joy is attainable only when their circumstances enable them to experience joy. The Bible offers a completely different perspective. Paul testified, “I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.” Paul experienced tribulation and yet was exceeding joyful! He also wrote of the churches of Macedonia abounding in joy though they were “in a great trial of affliction” (2 Corinthians 8:2). Furthermore, Paul wrote of the saints of God in Thessalonica that they received the word of God with joy even though they were “in much affliction” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Lastly, believers should “count it all joy” when falling into divers temptations (James 1:2). We should understand that our joy as Christians is not dependent upon favourable circumstances.
As we have previously studied, God is the believer’s source of joy. Specifically, God’s indwelling presence makes this an accessible virtue. The Lord indwells those who are saved and does so through the person of the Holy Ghost. It should, therefore, come as no surprise that the disciples who were filled with the Holy Ghost were also filled with joy. God identifies the nature of the kingdom of God as “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). This is why the Bible includes joy and peace when it defines the ninefold fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). This is why the believers in Thessalonica received the word “with joy of the Holy Ghost” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). The more the Holy Ghost has control, the more joy from the Lord a man will experience.
