2. Dictionaries define patience in such terms as bearing pain or sorrow calmly or
without complaint; not being hasty or impetuous; being steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or
adversity. (
3. The Apostle Paul gave the purpose of patience in his epistle to the Saints in
Rome: “We glory in tribulations … knowing that tribulation worketh patience; “And patience,
experience; and experience, hope” (Rom. 5:3–4).
(
4. I believe that a lack of patience is a major
cause of the difficulties and
unhappiness in the world today. Too often, we are
impatient with ourselves, with our family
members and friends, and even with the Lord. We seem to demand what we want right now,
regardless of whether we have earned it, whether it would be good for us, or whether it is right…..
Perhaps the practice of patience is more difficult, yet more necessary, now than at any previous time.
(
members and friends, and even with the Lord. We seem to demand what we want right now,
regardless of whether we have earned it, whether it would be good for us, or whether it is right…..
Perhaps the practice of patience is more difficult, yet more necessary, now than at any previous time.
(
5. To the Latter-day Saints, the Lord gave patience as one of
the divine attributes
that qualifies a person for the ministry (see D&C 4:6), he counseled them to be patient in their
afflictions (see D&C 24:8; D&C 31:9;D&C 54:10; D&C 98:23–24), and he admonished them to
make their decisions in patience (see D&C 107:30). The Savior taught us to be perfect (see Matt.
5:48; 3 Ne. 12:48) and said, “Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the
ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected” (D&C 67:13).
(
that qualifies a person for the ministry (see D&C 4:6), he counseled them to be patient in their
afflictions (see D&C 24:8; D&C 31:9;D&C 54:10; D&C 98:23–24), and he admonished them to
make their decisions in patience (see D&C 107:30). The Savior taught us to be perfect (see Matt.
5:48; 3 Ne. 12:48) and said, “Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the
ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected” (D&C 67:13).
(
6. The Lord, Jesus Christ, is our perfect example of patience. Though absolutely
unyielding in adherence to the truth, he exemplified patience repeatedly during his mortal ministry.
He was patient with his disciples, including the Twelve, despite their lack of faith and their
slowness to recognize and understand his divine mission. He was patient with the multitudes as they
pressed about him, with the woman taken in sin, with those who sought his healing power, and with
little children. Finally, he remained patient through the sufferings of his mock trials and his
crucifixion.
(
unyielding in adherence to the truth, he exemplified patience repeatedly during his mortal ministry.
He was patient with his disciples, including the Twelve, despite their lack of faith and their
slowness to recognize and understand his divine mission. He was patient with the multitudes as they
pressed about him, with the woman taken in sin, with those who sought his healing power, and with
little children. Finally, he remained patient through the sufferings of his mock trials and his
crucifixion.
(
7. We should learn to be patient with ourselves. Recognizing our
strengths and our
weaknesses, we should strive to use good judgment in all of our choices and decisions, make good
use of every opportunity, and do our best in every task we undertake. We should not be unduly
discouraged nor in despair at any time when we are doing the best we can. Rather, we should be
satisfied with our progress even though it may come slowly at times.
(
weaknesses, we should strive to use good judgment in all of our choices and decisions, make good
use of every opportunity, and do our best in every task we undertake. We should not be unduly
discouraged nor in despair at any time when we are doing the best we can. Rather, we should be
satisfied with our progress even though it may come slowly at times.
(
8. We should be patient in developing and strengthening our
testimonies. Rather
than expecting immediate or spectacular manifestations, though they will come when needed, we
should pray for a testimony, study the scriptures, follow the counsel of our prophet and other Church
leaders, and live the principles of the gospel. Our testimonies then will grow and mature naturally,
perhaps imperceptibly at times, until they become driving forces in our lives.
(
than expecting immediate or spectacular manifestations, though they will come when needed, we
should pray for a testimony, study the scriptures, follow the counsel of our prophet and other Church
leaders, and live the principles of the gospel. Our testimonies then will grow and mature naturally,
perhaps imperceptibly at times, until they become driving forces in our lives.
(
9. Patience with family
members and others who are close to us is vital for us to
have happy homes. However, we often seem more willing to be courteous and polite with strangers
than with those in our own family circles. For some reason, criticism, sharp language, and
quarreling too often seem to be acceptable at home but not away from home.
(
have happy homes. However, we often seem more willing to be courteous and polite with strangers
than with those in our own family circles. For some reason, criticism, sharp language, and
quarreling too often seem to be acceptable at home but not away from home.
(
10. Husbands, be patient with your wives; and wives, be patient with
your husbands. Don’t expect
perfection. Find agreeable ways to work out the
differences that arise. Remember President David
O. McKay’s wise counsel
regarding marriage: keep your eyes wide open before marriage and half
closed
afterward (see Conference Report, Apr. 1956, p. 9). Perhaps, on occasion, our
wives could
get into the car and honk the horn while we, as husbands, get the
children ready.
(
11. Parents, be patient with your children. Read to your little
children and help them
with their schoolwork, even if you need to tell or show them the same thing many times.
(
with their schoolwork, even if you need to tell or show them the same thing many times.
(
12. Elder Richard L. Evans said, “If they find that
they can trust us with their trivial questions, they may
later trust us with more weighty ones” (Ensign, May 1971, p. 12). Capitalize on their natural
curiosity and help them develop a love for learning. Teach them the principles of the gospel in
simple terms. Be patient with them if they disturb family home evening or family prayers. Convey to
them the reverence you feel for the gospel, Church leaders, and the Savior.
later trust us with more weighty ones” (Ensign, May 1971, p. 12). Capitalize on their natural
curiosity and help them develop a love for learning. Teach them the principles of the gospel in
simple terms. Be patient with them if they disturb family home evening or family prayers. Convey to
them the reverence you feel for the gospel, Church leaders, and the Savior.
13. Be patient with your youth, especially as they make the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Many of them have the appearance of adults and think they are adults, but they have had little
experience with which to make adult judgments. Help them to get the experience they need and to
avoid the pitfalls that can harm them.
(
14. I urge you children to be patient with your parents.
If they seem to be out of touch on such vital
issues as dating, clothing styles, modern music, and use of family cars, listen to them anyway. They
have the experience that you lack. Very few, if any, of the challenges and temptations you face are
new to them. If you think they know nothing about the vital issues I just mentioned, take a good look
at their high school and college yearbooks. Most important, they love you and will do anything they
can to help you be truly happy.
(
issues as dating, clothing styles, modern music, and use of family cars, listen to them anyway. They
have the experience that you lack. Very few, if any, of the challenges and temptations you face are
new to them. If you think they know nothing about the vital issues I just mentioned, take a good look
at their high school and college yearbooks. Most important, they love you and will do anything they
can to help you be truly happy.
(
15. I
advise you to be patient in financial matters. Avoid rash or hurried financial
decisions; such
decisions require patience and study. Get-rich-quick schemes seldom work. Beware of debt. Be
especially careful of easily obtained credit even if the interest is tax deductible. You young couples
should not expect to begin your married lives with homes, automobiles, appliances, and
conveniences comparable to those your parents have spent years accumulating.
(
decisions require patience and study. Get-rich-quick schemes seldom work. Beware of debt. Be
especially careful of easily obtained credit even if the interest is tax deductible. You young couples
should not expect to begin your married lives with homes, automobiles, appliances, and
conveniences comparable to those your parents have spent years accumulating.
(
16. Finally,
a word about patience with our Heavenly Father and his plan of eternal progression.
How
incredibly foolish to be impatient with him, the Father of our spirits, who knows everything and
whose work and glory, through his Son, Jesus Christ, is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal
life of man” (Moses 1:39). As Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, “Patience is tied very closely to faith in
our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what
is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than his.
Either way we are questioning the reality of God’s omniscience” (Ensign, Oct. 1980, p. 28).
incredibly foolish to be impatient with him, the Father of our spirits, who knows everything and
whose work and glory, through his Son, Jesus Christ, is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal
life of man” (Moses 1:39). As Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, “Patience is tied very closely to faith in
our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what
is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than his.
Either way we are questioning the reality of God’s omniscience” (Ensign, Oct. 1980, p. 28).
17. Elder Richard L. Evans said, “There seems to be little evidence that the Creator of the universe
was ever in a hurry. Everywhere, on this bounteous and beautiful earth, and to the farthest reaches of
the firmament, there is evidence of patient purpose and planning and working and waiting” (in
Conference Report, Oct. 1952, p. 95).
(
18. I pray that we might be
patient, especially in adversity, as we meet our challenges of uncertainty,
trials, pressure, and tribulation in today’s world.
(
trials, pressure, and tribulation in today’s world.
(
19. “Patience may be required as we watch, wait, and work for a promised blessing to be fulfilled.”
(Thomas S. Monson, Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light, October 1986,
http://www.lds.org/)
(Thomas S. Monson, Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light, October 1986,
http://www.lds.org/)
20. The lessons we learn from patience will cultivate our character, lift our lives, and heighten our
happiness.
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Continue in Patience, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)
happiness.
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Continue in Patience, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)
21. Patience—the ability to put our desires on
hold for a time—is a precious
and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience
may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter. Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God;
we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding,
deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace.
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Continue in Patience, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)
and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience
may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter. Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God;
we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding,
deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace.
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Continue in Patience, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)
22. If children are ever going to mature and reach their
potential, they must learn to
wait. There is an important concept here: patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act
because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something
and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude,
even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring
well! (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Continue in Patience, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)
wait. There is an important concept here: patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act
because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something
and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude,
even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring
well! (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Continue in Patience, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)
23. Patience is a godly attribute that can heal souls, unlock treasures
of knowledge
and understanding, and transform ordinary men and women into saints and angels. Patience is truly
a fruit of the Spirit.
and understanding, and transform ordinary men and women into saints and angels. Patience is truly
a fruit of the Spirit.
24. Patience means accepting that which cannot be changed and facing it
with courage, grace, and faith.
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Continue in Patience, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Continue in Patience, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)
25. Ultimately, patience means being “firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping
the commandments
of the Lord” every hour of every day, even when it is hard to do so. In the words of John the
Revelator, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God,
and … faith [in] Jesus.”
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Continue in Patience, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/
of the Lord” every hour of every day, even when it is hard to do so. In the words of John the
Revelator, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God,
and … faith [in] Jesus.”
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Continue in Patience, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/
26. Patience is a process of perfection. The Savior Himself said that in
yourpatience you possess your
souls. Or, to use another translation of the Greek text, in your patience you win mastery of your
souls. Patiencemeans to abide in faith, knowing that sometimes it is in the waiting rather than in
the receiving that we grow the most. This was true in the time of the Savior. It is true in our time as
well, for we are commanded in these latter days to “continue in patience until ye are perfected.
souls. Or, to use another translation of the Greek text, in your patience you win mastery of your
souls. Patiencemeans to abide in faith, knowing that sometimes it is in the waiting rather than in
the receiving that we grow the most. This was true in the time of the Savior. It is true in our time as
well, for we are commanded in these latter days to “continue in patience until ye are perfected.
27. The lessons we learn
from patience will cultivate our character, lift our lives, and heighten
our
happiness. They will help us to become worthy priesthood bearers and faithful disciples of our
Master, Jesus Christ.
happiness. They will help us to become worthy priesthood bearers and faithful disciples of our
Master, Jesus Christ.
28. “To
them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour
and immortality,
eternal life: “But
unto them that are contentious [impatient], and do not obey the truth, but obey
unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,“Tribulation and anguish” (Rom. 2:6–9).
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Continue in Patience, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)
unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,“Tribulation and anguish” (Rom. 2:6–9).
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Continue in Patience, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)
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