In the fast paced world we live in today, it is easy to ignore the true value of patience. Our entire environment is dictated by an inexplicable addiction to speed. Due to the rapid advancement of technology, this generation has yet to grasp the concept of taking a moment to sit back and enjoy the fruits of their marvelous achievements. The fast paced style of living man has today is also what has contributed to the dangerously growing negligence and indifference to the relationship between men. In this age, it appears that man is more focused on how quickly he can finish the job and not so much on building relationships with one another. It is no wonder why our God inspired the prophet Jeremiah to tell His people, “stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16). Hence why at our halfway point, we took a moment to stand and meditate upon that which we had reached, but also to see the remaining path before us. In other words, it is always important and necessary to make a pause in this fast paced style of living we have today to insure we do not lose our way. In our previous article, when we began to “pack” our things to move forward, we stated that the following word the apostle designates as our next stage reveals that this climb is a group effort and not an individual one. Therefore, allow me to provoke your thoughts with the following inquiry: What is the difference between temperance and patience? At a quick, first glance it would seem that the apostle Peter is making a simple repetition in order to emphasize the importance of self control. However, the apostle skillfully places us in a position where, as the prophet mentioned before, we must ask ourselves this question to be able to reach the good way. Let us bring forth to our memory what we have learned thus far about temperance. In essence, we have seen its value in the life of man because it gives him a firm hold on his emotions. It allows him to be able to make a sound judgment in any situation absent of emotion’s influence. Therefore, a self controlled man is master of his own domain. To this wonderful ability, the apostle encourages his reader to now add patience to make it even better. It is at this very point where the apostle pivots his focus from self command to command of others. As we have already learned, self control is the bridge that connects the two concepts because it is impossible to teach others what man has yet to learn himself. We can then make the observation that where temperance focuses more on man’s interior ability to govern himself, patience focuses more on man’s exterior ability to govern his surroundings. If we are in truth disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, then we cannot ignore that teaching others is a direct commandment from the Lord Himself (Matthew 28:18-20). The Lord commanded that all who call themselves His followers are to teach first the gospel, but also teach how to observe (obey) his commandments. The apostle Peter, having had received this lesson directly from the Master, understood its importance. He fully comprehended that all servants of the Lord had to be fully capable to teach, that is to share, that which he has learned. A man who is not willing to share the wealth of knowledge he has received is undoubtedly a selfish man. He is a selfish man and not a fearful man because one of the self commands he has already mastered to reach this point is virtue. His selfish attitude becomes evident because he is not willing to be patient with others as they were with him. During His tenure on this earth, our Master clearly stated “freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). Teaching our co-disciples that which we have received is inevitable if we truly want to reach the top. Because this is so, Peter was well aware that the logical first step in working with others is indeed patience. The Greek term used by the apostle in this verse is hupomonē and it is defined as steadfastness, constancy, and endurance (Thayer, G5281). Making an analysis of each term, it is plain to see that each one illustrates different traits of a teacher. He who is a good teacher must be unwavering and consistent in his effort to make others understand his lesson. He must have the sufficient stamina to continue repeating his lesson as many times as necessary until his student is properly trained. This is patience. It is clearly a term that relates with man’s exterior attitude with his surroundings. Endurance, as the apostle presents it, is that ability to resist any exterior hardships that may arise. Like any climb, the unstable conditions of the weather will always be a challenge to the climber. He may have begun with excellent weather and in a blink of an eye an ice storm may appear out of nowhere. Not allowing the unpredictability of the weather to stop him from reaching his goal is what having patience means. Instead of allowing desperation and anxiety to cloud his resolve, he chooses to wait and see what his best option will be, never losing sight of his goal. James advises his readers this same teaching by reminding us “of the patience of Job” in an effort to stop any unfruitful arguments between brethren (James 5:7-11). His reference is not only to the difficult trials Job endured, but also how he was able to withstand the wicked advice from his wife and three friends (Job 2:9-10, 42:7). It is no secret that working with people is no easy task, but it is also not impossible if we apply the council of the apostle Paul. In his letter to the Colossians, the apostle exhorts them to learn the art of “forbearing one another” so that “the peace of God rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:13-15). Enduring or resisting the offenses made to us by our fellow man is how we allow God’s peace to remain amongst us. Quenching any and all unnecessary quarrels over fruitless motives between brothers is key to preserving “the unity of the Spirit” in the Lord’s church (Ephesians 4:3). By learning how to sustain that “bond of peace” amongst ourselves we earn the right to be called “the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Was not the church during the first century exemplary because it was able to bridge the gap between Jews and Gentiles? These once bitter enemies were able to put aside their differences because they were patient with one another and the church grew exponentially as a result of this new found peace. However, it is also wise to note that through patience, a mutual respect was born between them. A godliness that sprouted amongst them, allowed them to work together as Christians. A godliness that also permitted them to leave behind the bitterness of their shared, troubled past. To be continued…