In the previous article we examined the word "patient" in 1 Timothy 3:3. Paul taught the principle that, in dealing with others, a "gentle and mild spirit" must characterize Preachers and Deacons. Specifically, this relates to our outward expression of attitude and temperament when interacting with others. In this article we shall examine "patience" from the perspective of inward attitude and long-suffering.

1 Thessalonians 5:
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient <3114>toward all men. (verse 14)

The Strong's number for the word patient is: 3114 makrothumeo {mak-roth-oo-meh'-o}
• from the same as 3116; TDNT - 4:374,550; v AV - be patient 3, have patience 2, have long patience 1, bear long 1, suffer long 1, be longsuffering 1, patiently endure 1; 10
• 1) to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart
  1a) to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles
  1b) to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others

An evaluation of the definition indicates that the primary force of this word (3114) relates to how we should exercise self-restraint, endure injury and bear with spiritual deformities/ deficiency in others. We are to cultivate and develop an inward attitude of willingness and readiness to "bear" and "suffer-long" with offenses, injury, and faults of others.

Although this is no easy task, and one which goes "against the grain", we are to bear with and suffer-long during those times we are hurting from the speech or deeds of others. A patient person in this context, is a person that does not lash out or respond in a vindictive way to the faults of those around him... he bears the burden by exercising self-restraint. However, this is only half of the story. Although restraint of improper responses is appropriate, there are appropriate positive responses a genuinely patient person must develop and utilize toward all sorts of erring members. I will look at this further along.

Isn't this an interesting verse!! Paul is addressing a situation which exists in every church... there are all sorts of members. Some are unruly (undisciplined), some feebleminded (fainthearted, discouraged), and some weak (spiritually immature, subject to temptation). He is giving us "how to" instruction... defining what our conduct ought to be toward such.

Much needed instruction could be made by a broader -- a general application of this instruction... applying it to general interaction with people - work - school - community. However, the focus has it's direct application and emphasis with regard to our conduct toward fellow church members.

• NOTE: If we be not patient\long-suffering toward our brother or sister in the Church, which is the best of environments, how much less will it be manifest in every day life?

Let us now give special attention to these four verbs in the verse: warn, comfort, support, patient. They are all in the imperative mood and indicate the appropriate response a patient person must utilize in a given situation. This alerts us to the fact that Paul's exhortation is not mere advice or a suggestion, but a command! Consider the significance of the Imperative Mood:

Mood -Imperative

• The imperative mood [Greek] corresponds to the English imperative, and expresses a command to the hearer to perform a certain action by the order and authority of the one commanding.

While our theme is focused upon patience\long-suffering as an inward attitude, it is but one of the four verbs in this verse. Different faults in erring brethren require different responses. However, we observe patience should be melded with the all the varying responses. Paul says, "Be patient toward all [kinds of] men". The others responses equally have their place as we shall now see.

Warn them that are unruly-- appropriate response toward the undisciplined
• This points to the appropriate response we ought to have with undisciplined members. They need to be warned (this does not mean we are to "chew them out"). It is true we ought, as the text says, "Be patient toward all men." (exercising self-restraint and forbearance), HOWEVER, this does not mean that nothing is to be done! Paul says, the appropriate response we ought to have with unruly members is to warn them. Failure to warn undisciplined members is a serious fault among us today. Patience in this instance, involves the spirit by which the warning is given... not in anger, frustration, or malice. A genuine concern for the welfare of the erring party will insure the warning is given in a spirit of love.

Comfort the feebleminded-- appropriate response toward the fainthearted
• A literal rendering of the word "feebleminded" would be small spirited. Thus, a feebleminded person is one who has become fainthearted, discouraged or despondent. The most common cause of this ailment is focusing on problems, difficulties and obstacles rather than on God. A person in this condition is likely to be preoccupied with murmuring and complaining about the many difficulties he/she is experiencing. The common response (which is wrong) given a person in this condition is a open ear... with words of agreement about the severity of his/her difficulties. This leaves the person in a worse condition than before. This response has confirmed what he/she had feared. While we need to be patient with a discouraged, fainthearted person, we ought not worsen his/her condition by reinforcing their fears and blurred vision of the situation.

  Paul says, "Comfort the feebleminded." We need to understand what it means to comfort a person. When a person is comforted there is a subjective improvement in how he percieves things. This can not be achieved by merely agreeing with him/her about the gravity of the situation. The word comfort not only implies "calming and consoling", but also encouragement. We comfort the fainthearted by admonishing them to focus on the greatness of God rather than the greatness of their problems. When we succeed in helping them to look upward it gives them the encouragment and incentive they need to move on experimentally and thus overcome their faintheartedness.

Support the weak-- appropriate response toward those spiritually deficient
• First consider various things intended by the word weak in the New Testament. It is used refering to common physical ailments (Lk.10:9), things of little esteem (1 Cor.1:27), a conscience lacking knowledge (1 Cor. 8:7), a physical condition caused by Divine judgment (1 Cor. 11:30).

  Although support is to be given to those weak from either old age or sickness, I suspect the text is refering to a moral ailment rather than a physical. Therefore, Paul must have in mind those that are spiritually weak. Spiritual weakness exists for a variety of reasons... new in the faith - neglect of God given means - being drawn away by error. All of these things hinder a person from maturing and keep them spiritually weak and deficient.

  Paul says we ought to support these persons. They are not to be ignored or "written off". Of course distinction must be made between support and endorsment of their error. These brethren can prove to be the most difficult to be patient (maintain the proper inward attitude) toward. Nonetheless, we are obligated to support them... hold to them firmly -- lest they become casualties in the "good fight of faith."

Let's gather from that which we have thus gleaned:

1. We have learned that the force of the word "patient" <3144> describes an inward quality of a person's attitude manifested by self-restraint and long-suffering while enduring injury from others.

2. We observed that Paul's exhortation to "be patient" identifies with our present circumstances; a church's membership includes a variety of people and personalities. As a church group, we can expect there to be a considerable number of differences among us. There will be differences both in gifts and grace; personality and temperament; spiritual groweth and maturity.

3. We must seek, nuture, and cultivate this grace of inward patience. Inward patience is observable when we use self-restraint and willingly suffer-long when we are injured by the faults of others. Patience is a duty... it is not a mere suggestion, but rather a biblical command.

4. Paul's admonition to "Be patient to all [kinds of] men (forbear, endure)" is conjoined with other admonitions... "warn the unruly" -- "comfort the fainthearted" -- "support the weak".

Something To Think About:

• Can you recall any occasions when you "lashed out" rather than patiently endured injury from others? Can you recall an occasion where you later regretted a harsh reaction and wished you had patiently suffered?

• Can you recall occasions when you avoided admonishing an erring brother or sister? Do you think that was the appropriate way to demonstrate your care and concern for them?

Charity suffereth long<3114>, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. 1 Corinthians 13:4

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