A Kind of Suffering

But I [Apostle Paul] received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost [sinner], Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:16 ESV

Did I just detect a deep huff and a roll of eyes directed to your friend, co-worker, husband, or your children? (Maybe even toward God?) I admit that I am quickly annoyed with others when they don’t immediately fulfill my expectations.

Be still. Breathe. Let’s consider some difficult words worthy of our attention and application. 

Perfect patience. Those words on their own are bad enough, but used together? I cringe at the sight of them. I’m glad they are attributed to Jesus in this verse and not me! Wait, not so fast…

Perfect. Yes, that’s what the verse says. “Perfect” in 1 Timothy 1:16 translates as: all, immense, or any, according to the Greek word, “nac.” That describes the huge amount of patience he demonstrates toward us and how often he is slow to anger.

Jesus’ immense patience, or long-suffering (in the KJV) expressed in his children, is an example (pattern, sketch, or model) to those who have yet to trust him for everlasting life. 

The other difficult word. Wait for it. Wait for it… patience.

As a child in the sixties, I learned patience, i.e. suffering. But only to a small degree since I didn’t have the power of the Holy Spirit in me to help overcome my natural impatience. Oftentimes, I sat sandwiched between my two brothers on the bench-seat in the back of our station wagon while our parents shopped for groceries. Hours at a time.

The Greek word for patience in the above verse is:” makrothumia”. Makros means long and thumus means temper. Therefore, long-temper or forbearance. Jesus is the only one who is perfect at it. 

Lord, may I not forget that you haven’t treated me as I deserve so that your perfect patience may be demonstrated in my life and overflow to others. Jesus, forgive me when I’m short-tempered.

Karen Sims