“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (Jas 1:4 KJV).
The word perfect means “mature.” So, the trying of your faith worketh patience that you may be mature, entire, wanting or lacking not a thing. Wouldn’t you like to be mature in the Lord, entire, lacking not a thing? In order to come to that place, you must learn something about Bible patience.
Patience in James 1:4 means “to be stedfast, unmovable.” Another definition is to remain constant. He says that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Note that faith and patience are linked together. It’s your faith that’s being tried, and patience is developing from it.
Faith and patience are mentioned together in several scriptures. Faith and love are mentioned in Galatians 5:6. It says that faith works by love. Hebrews 12:1-2 says that we are to run the race with patience, looking unto the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus.
Hebrews 6:12 says to follow them who through faith and patience inherit the promise. Titus 2:1-2 says to teach so that the aged (mature) men sound in faith and patience. First Timothy 6:11 says to follow after (among other things) faith and patience.
These scriptures clearly say that to receive the promises of God, faith, patience and love are required. So follow after righteous, which means right standing with God. Follow after godliness, or being like God.
Follow after faith, love, patience and meekness. These things will make you mature in God; entire and lacking not one thing. Fight the good fight of faith. It is a good fight, because you have already won.
We are to walk by faith. But faith is not alone. Faith and patience go along together. And love causes it to work. With the right ingredients, you can be a mature man or woman of God, lacking nothing in this life.
Scripture References: Hebrews 6:11-15; Titus 2:1-2
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).