When everything is going our way, patience is easy to demonstrate. The true test of patience comes when our rights are violated—when another car cuts us off in traffic; when we are treated unfairly; when our coworker derides our faith, again. Some people think they have a right to get upset in the face of irritations and trials. Impatience seems like a holy anger. The Bible, however, praises patience as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) which should be produced for all followers of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Patience reveals our faith in God’s timing, omnipotence, and love.
Although most people consider patience to be a passive waiting or gentle tolerance, most of the Greek words translated “patience” in the New Testament are active, robust words. Consider, for example, Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (NKJV). Does one run a race by passively waiting for slow-pokes or gently tolerating cheaters? Certainly not! The word translated “patience” in this verse means “endurance.” A Christian runs the race patiently by persevering through difficulties. In the Bible, patience is persevering towards a goal, enduring trials, or expectantly waiting for a promise to be fulfilled.
Patience does not develop overnight. God’s power and goodness are crucial to the development of patience. Colossians 1:11 tells us that we are strengthened by Him to “great endurance and patience,” while James 1:3-4 encourages us to know that trials are His way of perfecting our patience. Our patience is further developed and strengthened by resting in God’s perfect will and timing, even in the face of evil men who “succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7). Our patience is rewarded in the end “because the Lord's coming is near” (James 5:7-8). “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” (Lamentations 3:25).
We see in the Bible many examples of those whose patience characterized their walk with God. James points us to the prophets “as an example of patience in the face of suffering” (James 5:10). He also refers to Job, whose perseverance was rewarded by what the “Lord finally brought about” (James 5:11). Abraham, too, waited patiently and “received what was promised” (Hebrews 6:15). Jesus is our model in all things, and He demonstrated patient endurance: “Who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
How do we display the patience that is characteristic of Christ? First, we thank God. A person’s first reaction is usually “Why me?”, but the Bible says to rejoice in God’s will (Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:6). Second, we seek His purposes. Sometimes God puts us in difficult situations so that we can be a witness. Other times, He might allow a trial for sanctification of character. Remembering that His purpose is for our growth and His glory will help us in the trial. Third, we remember His promises such as Romans 8:28, which tells us that “all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The “all things” include the things that try our patience.
The next time you are in a traffic jam, betrayed by a friend, or mocked for your testimony, how will you respond? The natural response is impatience which leads to stress, anger, and frustration. Praise God that, as Christians, we are no longer in bondage to a “natural response” because we are new creations in Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 5:17). Instead, we have the Lord’s strength to respond with patience and in complete trust in the Father’s power and purpose. “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life” (Romans 2:7).
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Is it wrong to question God?
At issue is not whether we should question God, but in what manner—and for what reason—we question Him. To question God is not in itself wrong. The prophet Habakkuk had questions for God concerning the timing and agency of the Lord’s plan. Habakkuk, rather than being rebuked for his questions, is patiently answered, and the prophet ends his book with a song of praise to the Lord. Many questions are put to God in the Psalms (Psalms 10, 44, 74, 77). These are the cries of the persecuted who are desperate for God’s intervention and salvation. Although God does not always answer our questions in the way we want, we conclude from these passages that a sincere question from an earnest heart is welcomed by God.
Insincere questions, or questions from a hypocritical heart, are a different matter. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). After King Saul had disobeyed God, his questions went unanswered (1 Samuel 28:6). It is entirely different to wonder why God allowed a certain event than it is to directly question God's goodness. Having doubts is different from questioning God's sovereignty and attacking His character. In short, an honest question is not a sin, but a bitter, untrusting, or rebellious heart is. God is not intimidated by questions. God invites us to enjoy close fellowship with Him. When we “question God,” it should be from a humble spirit and open mind. We can question God, but we should not expect an answer unless we are genuinely interested in His answer. God knows our hearts, and knows whether we are genuinely seeking Him to enlighten us. Our heart attitude is what determines whether it is right or wrong to question God.
Insincere questions, or questions from a hypocritical heart, are a different matter. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). After King Saul had disobeyed God, his questions went unanswered (1 Samuel 28:6). It is entirely different to wonder why God allowed a certain event than it is to directly question God's goodness. Having doubts is different from questioning God's sovereignty and attacking His character. In short, an honest question is not a sin, but a bitter, untrusting, or rebellious heart is. God is not intimidated by questions. God invites us to enjoy close fellowship with Him. When we “question God,” it should be from a humble spirit and open mind. We can question God, but we should not expect an answer unless we are genuinely interested in His answer. God knows our hearts, and knows whether we are genuinely seeking Him to enlighten us. Our heart attitude is what determines whether it is right or wrong to question God.
Such Is Love
Such Is Love
[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
THE word love is perhaps the most popular word in any language. Definitions and interpretations of love are many and varied. In English as well as Japanese, the word love covers many possible understandings of affection, appreciation, and gratification.1 Corinthians 13:7 (NRSV)
The Greek language has at least four words for love. The word epithumia denotes desire or lust, often self-fulfilling and selfish. The word philia means either the kind of love shared with parents, brothers, sisters, relatives, family, and friends, or fidelity and loyalty. The word eros, from Greek mythology, is used for sexual love or desire.
The word for love found in our scripture text for today is agape. This word is used for the kind of love that can recreate and transform us. Agape love has best been defined by and manifested in Jesus, the incarnation of God's eternal love. In the life, teaching, and death of Jesus on the cross, I see the purest form of love -- sacrificial and unconditional love. That's the kind of love our scripture reading asks us to live.
Paul M. Nagano (California, USA)
Saturday, October 15, 2011
"Doubting Thomas?"
THOMAS, sometimes called "doubting Thomas," had a hard time believing that Jesus was really risen from the dead. My guess is that his story is in the Bible because he was not alone. There were plenty of folks back then -- and plenty of us now -- for whom believing is not easy. Thomas's story is here to let us know that it's okay to ask tough questions, face honest doubts, and search for a relation...ship with Jesus Christ that is real for us.
I'm glad that my faith tradition allows space for that kind of search. It's become something of a slogan around our church that honest doubt is not a contradiction to faith but an essential element in a healthy, growing, maturing faith. There is room in the church for people to begin following Christ and to work out the answers to their questions in the presence of the One who has the answers.
The risen Christ shows up in places where we least expect him. To every doubting Thomas, Christ says, "Welcome! There is room for you in my kingdom. Follow me." Those who do will find faith that is worth looking for -- faith born of honest doubt and true humility.
I'm glad that my faith tradition allows space for that kind of search. It's become something of a slogan around our church that honest doubt is not a contradiction to faith but an essential element in a healthy, growing, maturing faith. There is room in the church for people to begin following Christ and to work out the answers to their questions in the presence of the One who has the answers.
The risen Christ shows up in places where we least expect him. To every doubting Thomas, Christ says, "Welcome! There is room for you in my kingdom. Follow me." Those who do will find faith that is worth looking for -- faith born of honest doubt and true humility.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Be on guard against "Bitterness"
Bitterness is resentful cynicism that results in an intense antagonism or hostility towards others. The Bible teaches us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” It then goes on to tell us how to deal with such bitterness and its fruits by being “kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
As an adjective, the word “bitter” means sharp, like an arrow; or pungent to the taste, disagreeable; venomous. The idea is that of the poisonous water given to the women who were suspected of committing adultery in Numbers 5:18: “the bitter water that brings a curse.” In its figurative sense “bitterness” refers to a mental or emotional state that corrodes or “eats away at,” such as one experiencing profound grief or anything which acts on the mind in the way poison acts to the body. Bitterness is that state of mind which willfully holds on to angry feelings, ready to take offense, able to break out in anger at any moment.
The foremost danger in succumbing to bitterness and allowing it to rule our hearts is that it is a spirit that refuses reconciliation. As a result, bitterness leads to wrath, which is the explosion on the outside of the feelings on the inside. Such unbridled wrath and anger often leads to “brawling” which is the brash self-absorption of an angry person who needs to make everyone hear his grievances. Another evil brought on by bitterness is slander. As used in this passage, it is not referring to blasphemy against God or merely slander against men, but to any expression of speech springing from anger and designed to wound or injure others.
All this then leads to a spirit of malice which signifies evil-mindedness or feelings of intense hatred. This kind of spirit is sensual and devilish in its influences. It is a deliberate attempt to harm another person. Therefore, “every form of malice” must be done away with (Ephesians 4:31).
The person who is bitter is often resentful, cynical, harsh, cold, relentless, and unpleasant to be around. Any expression of these characteristics is sin against God, and those who persist in them will not inherit His kingdom (Galatians 5:19-21). Hebrews 12:15 warns us to “see to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” We must always be cognizant of allowing “bitter roots” to grow in our hearts which will cause us to fall short of the grace of God. God wills that His people live in love, joy, peace, and holiness—not in bitterness. Therefore, the believer must always watch diligently, being on guard against the grave peril of bitterness.
As an adjective, the word “bitter” means sharp, like an arrow; or pungent to the taste, disagreeable; venomous. The idea is that of the poisonous water given to the women who were suspected of committing adultery in Numbers 5:18: “the bitter water that brings a curse.” In its figurative sense “bitterness” refers to a mental or emotional state that corrodes or “eats away at,” such as one experiencing profound grief or anything which acts on the mind in the way poison acts to the body. Bitterness is that state of mind which willfully holds on to angry feelings, ready to take offense, able to break out in anger at any moment.
The foremost danger in succumbing to bitterness and allowing it to rule our hearts is that it is a spirit that refuses reconciliation. As a result, bitterness leads to wrath, which is the explosion on the outside of the feelings on the inside. Such unbridled wrath and anger often leads to “brawling” which is the brash self-absorption of an angry person who needs to make everyone hear his grievances. Another evil brought on by bitterness is slander. As used in this passage, it is not referring to blasphemy against God or merely slander against men, but to any expression of speech springing from anger and designed to wound or injure others.
All this then leads to a spirit of malice which signifies evil-mindedness or feelings of intense hatred. This kind of spirit is sensual and devilish in its influences. It is a deliberate attempt to harm another person. Therefore, “every form of malice” must be done away with (Ephesians 4:31).
The person who is bitter is often resentful, cynical, harsh, cold, relentless, and unpleasant to be around. Any expression of these characteristics is sin against God, and those who persist in them will not inherit His kingdom (Galatians 5:19-21). Hebrews 12:15 warns us to “see to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” We must always be cognizant of allowing “bitter roots” to grow in our hearts which will cause us to fall short of the grace of God. God wills that His people live in love, joy, peace, and holiness—not in bitterness. Therefore, the believer must always watch diligently, being on guard against the grave peril of bitterness.
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