JAMES DAY 37 - Perseverance vs. Patience

DAY 37
Perseverance vs. Patience
James 5:7-11

What’s the difference between perseverance and patience?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces PERSEVERANCE” (Jam 1:2-3). Stick it out through tough times. This word, “perseverance,” has the sense of enduring something, even suffering through something difficlut. As James nears the end of his letter, he circles back around to his opening theme: perseverance.

How does it differ from patience? 

Think through some examples. You can suffer through an uncomfortable Thanksgiving dinner with the in-laws, but patience is a little more inner peace about it. Think about the difference between a toddler and an adult getting a booster shot: the toddler endures it, maybe kicking and screaming. An adult may not like needles but is at peace with it. 

In effect, James says, “Don’t just go through hard times, be at peace through them.” Patience is an inner equilibrium, a kind of balance or inner steadiness. James says, “Be patient and stand firm,” implying a solid steadiness over time. In fact, patience is inner peace over time. 

Patience doesn’t mean you’re happy with everything! But patience knows you can outlast whatever’s trying to hold you down. Stress and suffering don’t defeat you. Patience doesn’t mean you’re content with your circumstances. It means your circumstances can’t steal your contentment. 

REFLECT
How are perseverance and patience similar? How are they different?

PRAY
Lord, I want to endure through hard times, but I also want to endure with inner peace. Change me from the inside out. Give me your peace and patience. Amen.