The God of Patience and Comfort

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus. (Romans 15:5)

When you think of God, what attributes immediately come to your mind? His power? His omniscience? Paul specifically highlighted two aspects of God that some believers may not immediately think of. God is patient and full of comfort.

He is the God of patience. In a world that moves at lightning speed and desires microwave results, God stands out as the God of patience. He doesn't rush us; He patiently waits for us to turn to Him, to learn, and to grow. It's through His enduring patience that we find the space to make mistakes and become better. As children of this patient God, we should be encouraged to show the same patience in our relationships with others.

He is also the God of comfort. Our Father doesn't just wait patiently; He also comforts us when we're struggling or hurting. In times of sorrow, stress, or confusion, He grants us comfort to do the uncomfortable and go through difficult situations. Because we have received His comfort, we're also called to share the same comfort with others. There are a lot of heavy hearts around us. That’s why our role as bearers of God's comfort is vital.

The verse tells us the importance of being like-minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus. This call to unity is a reminder that our shared faith in Christ should supersede our differences.

In our modern day of social media, it is easy to be quick to judge and criticize one another. Instead, Paul asked us to seek common ground in our love for Jesus and to act like our Father, with patience and consolation.

Practical Application

Seek opportunities to provide comfort to those you encounter. It might be a friend going through a tough time, a co-worker facing a challenge, or even a neighbor who could use a helping hand. A simple word of encouragement, a listening ear, or a small act of kindness can go a long way in sharing God's comfort with others.

1 Corinthians 1:10; Jeremiah 32:39

The Power of Scripture

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, directed his readers’ attention to the Old Testament Scriptures in Romans 15:4. He reminded them that the ancient texts of the Old Testament, penned by holy men of God, were inspired by God Himself. The stories, poems, teachings, and prophecies were recorded for our learning and understanding. In them, we discover valuable lessons about God's faithfulness, His dealings with humanity, and the power of His Word.

One of the remarkable gifts that Scripture gives us is the cultivation of our own patience. In a world that often rushes us, the Bible encourages us to wait on the Lord. If you are constantly anxious and in a hurry, you need to spend time in God’s Word. By reading the Old Testament, you'll meet people who remained patient and trusted in God during tough times. Their perseverance, fueled by faith in God's promises, teaches us the beauty of waiting on Him.

Life's challenges can cause us to wonder how we will get through problems we face. However, the Word of God is the power of God to all deliverance. When we seek the Word above all else, God brings us out of whatever we are dealing with. His wisdom, His power and His strength show up when we are speaking, meditating, and living His Word.

Practical Application

When you find yourself stuck, lost, or worried, make it a priority to pick up the Word of God and read it out loud. His Word brings the power of deliverance every time it is read. It changes us and it changes our circumstances.

Psalm 119:81; Romans 5:5

Edify Our Neighbors

Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. (Romans 15:2-3)

The surrounding culture today celebrates self-centeredness and personal promotion. Selfies and influencers dominate online. Personal gain, which helps one climb the corporate ladder, is the goal of most business deals. This is not unlike the world that Paul was dealing with as he wrote the epistle to the Romans. However, he called for a dramatic shift in the focus for believers: from one of self-serving to selflessness.

Paul encouraged his readers to consider the needs and growth of others, placing your neighbors’ edification above your own desires. That doesn’t mean that we are to neglect our own responsibilities, self-care, or forfeit our dreams and goals. Instead, it highlights the beauty of compassion and faith-based sacrificial love.

The ultimate example of this type of selflessness is found in Jesus Himself. The Scriptures remind us that Jesus’ focus was to be a servant to humanity. His life was a living story of love in action. He was willing to "take the hit" for us—enduring the reproaches, insults, and sufferings that rightfully belonged to each of us because of our sins.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live with the same attitude of selflessness. We can choose to focus on the needs of those around us, whether they are family, friends, neighbors, or strangers, instead of just doing life on our own. We aren’t just called to tolerate those around us, but truly seeking to uplift and encourage others.

When we live to be examples of edification, we become instruments of God's love and grace to the world. Being vessels of God’s love impacts those we serve, but also transforms us, making us more like Him.

Practical Application

This week, choose to prioritize the edification and well-being of those around you, just as Christ did for us. In doing so, we not only honor His example but also take part in His redemptive work, bringing hope, healing, and love to a world in need.

Psalm 69:9; 1 Corinthians 13:5