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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Patience in Suffering</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/p/patience_in_suffering.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/james/1-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/p/patience.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Patience in Suffering</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/p/patience_in_spiritual_growth.htm" title="Patience in Spiritual Growth">◄</a> Patience in Suffering <a href="/topical/p/patience_in_the_process.htm" title="Patience in the Process">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Importance</b> <br>Patience in suffering is a virtue highly esteemed in the Christian faith, reflecting a steadfast endurance and trust in God's sovereignty amidst trials and tribulations. It is the ability to remain steadfast and composed, trusting in God's ultimate plan and timing, even when faced with adversity and hardship.<br><br><b>Biblical Foundation</b> <br>The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the importance of patience in suffering. One of the most prominent passages is found in the book of James: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (<a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</a>). This passage highlights the transformative power of enduring trials, suggesting that suffering can lead to spiritual maturity and completeness.<br><br><b>Old Testament Examples</b> <br>The Old Testament offers several examples of individuals who exhibited patience in suffering. Job is perhaps the most notable figure, enduring immense personal loss and physical affliction while maintaining his faith in God. Despite his suffering, Job declares, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (<a href="/job/13-15.htm">Job 13:15</a>), demonstrating unwavering trust in God's righteousness.<br><br>Another example is Joseph, who faced betrayal by his brothers, slavery, and imprisonment. Despite these hardships, Joseph remained faithful and patient, ultimately rising to a position of power in Egypt and recognizing God's hand in his journey: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (<a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a>).<br><br><b>New Testament Teachings</b> <br>The New Testament further emphasizes patience in suffering through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example, enduring the cross and its shame for the joy set before Him (<a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a>). His life and sacrifice serve as a model for believers to follow in times of suffering.<br><br>The Apostle Paul frequently wrote about the necessity of patience in suffering. In <a href="/romans/5-3.htm">Romans 5:3-5</a>, he states, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us" . Paul’s writings encourage believers to view suffering as a means of developing perseverance and hope.<br><br><b>Practical Application</b> <br>Christians are called to exhibit patience in suffering by relying on God's strength and promises. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers are vital practices that can help sustain patience. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering believers to endure trials with grace and faith.<br><br>The Apostle Peter also encourages believers to remain steadfast, reminding them of the eternal perspective: "And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you" (<a href="/1_peter/5-10.htm">1 Peter 5:10</a>). This assurance of God's ultimate restoration provides hope and encouragement to persevere through suffering.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b> <br>Patience in suffering is a central theme in the Christian life, deeply rooted in biblical teachings and exemplified by numerous figures throughout Scripture. It calls believers to trust in God's sovereignty, develop perseverance, and maintain hope in the face of adversity, knowing that God is working all things for their good and His glory.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/p/patience.htm">Patience</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--abraham.htm">Patience: Abraham</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--christ,_an_example_of.htm">Patience: Christ, an Example of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--commended.htm">Patience: Commended</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/patience--david.htm">Patience: David</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--enjoined.htm">Patience: Enjoined</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--exercise,_towards_all.htm">Patience: Exercise, Towards All</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/patience--general_scriptures_concerning.htm">Patience: General Scriptures Concerning</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--god,_is_the_god_of.htm">Patience: God, is the God of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--illustrated.htm">Patience: Illustrated</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/patience--isaac_toward_the_people_of_gerar.htm">Patience: Isaac Toward the People of Gerar</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/patience--job.htm">Patience: Job</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/patience--john.htm">Patience: John</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--ministers_approved_by.htm">Patience: Ministers Approved By</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--ministers_should_follow_after.htm">Patience: Ministers should Follow After</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/patience--moses.htm">Patience: Moses</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--necessary_to_the_inheritance_of_the_promises.htm">Patience: Necessary to the Inheritance of the Promises</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/patience--paul.htm">Patience: Paul</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--produces_experience.htm">Patience: Produces Experience</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--produces_hope.htm">Patience: Produces Hope</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--prophets.htm">Patience: Prophets</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--saints_strengthened_to_all.htm">Patience: Saints Strengthened to All</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--should_be_accompanied_by_faith.htm">Patience: should be Accompanied by Faith</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--should_be_accompanied_by_godliness.htm">Patience: should be Accompanied by Godliness</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--should_be_accompanied_by_joyfulness.htm">Patience: should be Accompanied by Joyfulness</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--should_be_accompanied_by_long-suffering.htm">Patience: should be Accompanied by Long-Suffering</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--should_be_accompanied_by_temperance.htm">Patience: should be Accompanied by Temperance</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--should_have_its_perfect_work.htm">Patience: should Have Its Perfect Work</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/patience--simeon.htm">Patience: Simeon</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--suffering_with,_for_well-doing,_is_acceptable_with_god.htm">Patience: Suffering With, for Well-Doing, is Acceptable With God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/patience--the_congregation_at_ephesus.htm">Patience: The Congregation at Ephesus</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/patience--the_congregation_at_thyatira.htm">Patience: The Congregation at Thyatira</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/patience--the_prophets.htm">Patience: The Prophets</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/patience--the_thessalonian_christians.htm">Patience: The Thessalonian Christians</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--they_who_are_in_authority,_should_exercise.htm">Patience: They Who are in Authority, should Exercise</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--to_be_exercised--bearing_the_yoke.htm">Patience: To be Exercised: Bearing the Yoke</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--to_be_exercised--bringing_forth_fruits.htm">Patience: To be Exercised: Bringing Forth Fruits</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--to_be_exercised--running_the_race_set_before_us.htm">Patience: To be Exercised: Running the Race Set Before Us</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--to_be_exercised--tribulation.htm">Patience: To be Exercised: Tribulation</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--to_be_exercised--waiting_for_christ.htm">Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for Christ</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--to_be_exercised--waiting_for_god.htm">Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--to_be_exercised--waiting_for_god's_salvation.htm">Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for God's Salvation</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--to_be_exercised--waiting_for_the_hope_of_the_gospel.htm">Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for the Hope of the Gospel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--to_be_exercised--well-doing.htm">Patience: To be Exercised: Well-Doing</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/p/patience--trials_of_saints_lead_to.htm">Patience: Trials of Saints Lead To</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/endurance.htm">Endurance (31 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/longsuffering.htm">Longsuffering (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/patience.htm">Patience (59 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/patiently.htm">Patiently (25 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/late.htm">Late (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/promised.htm">Promised (150 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/valuable.htm">Valuable (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/olive.htm">Olive (61 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/waits.htm">Waits (21 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/farmer.htm">Farmer (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/forbearance.htm">Forbearance (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a 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class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/affliction.htm">Affliction (120 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/q/quarrel.htm">Quarrel (22 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/q/quarrelsome.htm">Quarrelsome (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/visit.htm">Visit (97 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kingship.htm">Kingship (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/unruly.htm">Unruly (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/urge.htm">Urge (34 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jealous.htm">Jealous (43 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/job's.htm">Job's (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/joyful.htm">Joyful (83 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/long-suffering.htm">Long-suffering (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/living.htm">Living (3112 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lies.htm">Lies (208 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/look.htm">Look (1874 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lucre.htm">Lucre (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/leg.htm">Leg (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gentle.htm">Gentle (48 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/glean.htm">Glean (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gifts.htm">Gifts (144 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/well.htm">Well (2882 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wrongs.htm">Wrongs (26 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/waiteth.htm">Waiteth (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/warn.htm">Warn (35 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/worketh.htm">Worketh (49 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/weaken.htm">Weaken (5 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