Practicing Patience and Self-Control in Difficult Situations
Patience and self-control are presented in biblical texts as essential virtues for believers, particularly in the face of adversity. The apostle Peter links these qualities in a chain of Christian development, stating, "in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control patience; and in patience godliness" (2 Pet 1:6 KJV). The Literal Translation of the Bible similarly renders this sequence: "and knowledge with self-control; and self-control with patience; and patience with godliness" [1]. This suggests a progressive spiritual growth where self-control lays the groundwork for patience, which then fosters godliness [5].
Self-control, or temperance, involves the disciplined use of earthly enjoyments and the restraint of one's senses, preventing the "animal part to subjugate the rational" [9]. It is the practical application of Christian knowledge, enabling believers to manage their desires and passions [5]. Proverbs emphasizes that "Patience and self-control are far more valuable than brute force" (Prov 16:32) [4], and that "Wise people learn to control their emotions; they remain calm even under stress" (Prov 29:11) [10]. This highlights the strength inherent in self-mastery over impulsive reactions.
Patience, often described as patient endurance, is the ability to bear trials and difficulties with a steady mind, persevering through them [9]. It is not merely a stoical endurance but is rooted in trust in God [5]. The Bible frequently enjoins patience, citing God and Christ as examples (Rom 15:5; Isa 53:7; Acts 8:32) [3]. The book of James encourages believers to let patience "have its perfect work" (Jas 1:4) [3], particularly in the context of economic pressures and unjust treatment [11].
The relationship between tribulation, patience, and hope is a recurring theme. Paul writes in Romans that "tribulation worketh patience" (Rom 5:3 KJV) [6]. This patience, in turn, "bringeth experience" (Rom 5:4 Tyndale) [2]. John Gill elaborates that this experience includes understanding God's love, faithfulness, and power during difficult times, leading to humility and thankfulness [7]. This experience then cultivates hope [7], which is described as a gift of God's grace that grows through such trials [7]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary defines patience as "the quiet endurance of what we cannot but wish removed," whether it is the delay of promised good or the ongoing experience of suffering [6].
Christ himself is presented as the ultimate example of patient endurance, waiting until all his enemies are subdued [8]. His "word of endurance" (Rev 3:10) refers to his Gospel, which calls for patient endurance in anticipation of his return [8]. Believers are called to exercise patience in various aspects of life, including running the Christian race, bearing fruit, doing good, and waiting for God and Christ [3]. Suffering patiently for doing good is also deemed acceptable to God (1 Pet 2:20) [3].
Sources
- II Peter “II Peter 1:6 (LITV) — and knowledge with self-control; and self-control with patience; and patience with godliness;”
- Romans “Romans 5:4 (Tyndale) — pacience bringeth experience experience bringeth hope.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Patience — God, is the God of -- Ro 15:5. Christ, an example of -- Isa 53:7; Ac 8:32; Mt 27:14. Enjoined -- Tit 2:2; 2Pe 1:6. Should have its perfect work -- Jas 1:4. Trials of saints lead to -- Ro 5:3; Jas 1:3. Produces Experience. -- Ro 5:4. Hope. -- Ro 15:4. Suffering with, for well-doing, is acceptable with God -- 1Pe 2:20. To be exercised Running the race set before us. -- Heb 12:1. Bringing forth fruits. -- Lu 8:15. Well-doing. -- Ro 2:7; Ga 6:9. Waiting for God. -- Ps 37:7; 40:1. Waiting for Christ. -- 1Co 1:7; 2Th 3:5. Waiting for the hope of the gospel. -- R”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 16:32: 16:32 Patience and self-control are far more valuable than brute force.”
- 2 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Peter 1:6: Greek, "And in your knowledge self-control." In the exercise of Christian knowledge or discernment of God's will, let there be the practical fruit of self-control as to one's lusts and passions. Incontinence weakens the mind; continence, or self-control, moves weakness and imparts strength And in your self-control patient endurance" amidst sufferings, so much dwelt on in the First Epistle, second, third, and fourth chapters. "And in your patient endurance godliness"; it is not to be mere stoical endurance, but united to [and flowing from] God-trusting ”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 5:3: we glory in tribulation also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience--Patience is the quiet endurance of what we cannot but wish removed, whether it be the withholding of promised good (Rom 8:25), or the continued experience of positive ill (as here). There is indeed a patience of unrenewed nature, which has something noble in it, though in many cases the offspring of pride, if not of something lower. Men have been known to endure every form of privation, torture, and death, without a murmur and without even visible emotion, merely because they deeme”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 5:4: And patience experience,.... As tribulations tend to exercise and increase patience, so patience being exercised and increased, enlarges the saints' stock and fund of experience; of the love and grace of God communicated to them at such seasons; of his faithfulness in fulfilling his promises; of his power in supporting them; and of their own frailty and weakness; and so are taught humility, thankfulness, and resignation to the will of God: and experience, hope; hope is a gift of God's grace, and is implanted in regeneration, but abounds, increases, and becomes more s”
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 3:10: patience--"endurance." "The word of My endurance" is My Gospel word, which teaches patient endurance in expectation of my coming (Rev 1:9). My endurance is the endurance which I require, and which I practice. Christ Himself now endures, patiently waiting until the usurper be cast out, and all "His enemies be made His footstool." So, too, His Church, for the joy before her of sharing His coming kingdom, endures patiently. Hence, in Rev 3:11, follows, "Behold, I come quickly." I also--The reward is in kind: "because thou didst keep," &c. "I also (o”
- 2 Peter (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Peter 1:6: Temperance - A proper and limited use of all earthly enjoyments, keeping every sense under proper restraints, and never permitting the animal part to subjugate the rational. Patience - Bearing all trials and difficulties with an even mind, enduring in all, and persevering through all. Godliness - Piety towards God; a deep, reverential, religious fear; not only worshipping God with every becoming outward act, but adoring, loving, and magnifying him in the heart: a disposition indispensably necessary to salvation, but exceedingly rare among professors.”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 29:11: 29:11 Wise people learn to control their emotions; they remain calm even under stress.”
- James (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on James 5:7: 5:7-8 be patient: This is the ultimate resolution for the poor in their economic pressures and for the unjust treatment by the wicked rich (5:1-6; see 2:6-7). Even though the poor have been marginalized and oppressed, they must not give up or strike out at their oppressors. At the Lord’s return, the faithful will receive their final reward (Isa 40:10; Luke 6:20-35; 1 Cor 15:23; 1 Pet 1:17; 5:4; Rev 22:12).”