This past Sunday in our sermon series in 2 Peter 1, we looked at the fifth link in the golden chain of Christian graces the apostle commends to his readers. Make every effort to add to your faith virtue; to virtue knowledge; to knowledge self-control; to self-control patience . . .

I am amazed by how patient I am! For instance, all night long as I sleep, I am exceedingly patient. When the bus or the train arrives at my station shortly after I do, my level of patience is astounding! When people are kind and cheerful to me, and things are all going my way, my patience is truly something to behold. Of course, the trying circumstances and impossible people that seem to crowd into daily life are there to keep me humble.

The point is, I am a very patient man . . . except for at those times and places when patience is actually required.

But my circumstances and the people around me are not the cause of my impatience. They merely serve as backdrops against which what is already in my heart manifests itself.

So, what is the means to achieving patience? Praying for it can be frustrating. We tend to pray, God give me patience . . NOW! Prayer for patience is also dangerous, since patience can only be exercised in trial and tribulation. We need to recognize that patience along with the other graces or virtues in Peter’s list are a lifelong process.

Great, you say, so what you are saying is I need patience in order to get patience! Actually, yes. The apostle says through the divine power of Christ we have been given everything we need for life and godliness. In Christ we have been given the embodiment of perfect patience.

God allowed Himself to be conceived and confined to a mother’s womb. Then he waited to be born. After being born, he bore the delay of growing up. Once grown, he did not rush to be recognized. He was baptized by his servant. He resisted the tempter with words alone, despite having the power of divinity. He did not despise anyone of low class. In fact, he ate willingly with tax collectors and sinners. He bore the unbelief of his own disciples, the best of whom were only fishermen. He suffered without complaint the betrayal of one of his own followers. He submitted to the mocking humiliation and torture of, perhaps, the most horrific death ever devised by his own creatures, allowing himself to be spat upon and beaten and crucified, again not willing to call down the legions of angels at his command. (Adapted from Tertullian, on the patience of Christ.)

This is an example worthy of careful meditation and emulation. But if the patience of Christ were only an example, we would be doomed. There is no way we could ever measure up. But praise God, the patience of Christ is also our salvation! His patient obedience to the Father was not for personal gain, but for the very ones who perpetrated every injustice against him. It was for you and for me. Father, forgive them, he said. If we have Christ, we have what we need.

So when we find ourselves lacking in patience, the remedy is more of Christ. And we receive Christ through His Word and Sacrament.

This Sunday, we will look at the next link in the chain: add . . . to patience godliness.

We hope to see you there!