Patience

Romans 12:10–21

Patience isn’t just about handling tough situations without becoming bitter. It also includes showing kindness to difficult people and relationships. By understanding what the Bible teaches about patience, we can change our hearts and grow in patience.

1. The principle

When people hurt or dislike us, our first reaction is often to hurt them back. However, Christian faith teaches us to respond differently—not with more harm, but with kindness. This idea, which Jesus showed through His sacrifice, stops the cycle of hurt, brings healing, and ultimately overcomes evil.

2. The practice

We can beat evil with good by following five steps: praying for those who hurt us, forgiving them and not seeking revenge, keeping relationships even with those who harm us, actively working for their welfare, and confronting them with love and kindness. These actions are key to encouraging forgiveness, love, humility, and real change.

3. The power

Beating evil with good isn’t just about telling people what to do—it requires understanding God’s mercy and our own salvation by grace. When we realize that we shouldn’t hold grudges or seek revenge, we can change through the deep love of Jesus. He took the punishment we deserved, and this humbles us, frees us from self-defense, and gives us the ability to forgive as we’ve been forgiven.