By Caro April 4, 2025
In many dictionaries, “waiting” and “being patient” are often considered similar. The difference is indeed subtle, but it’s worth paying attention to.
The difference between “waiting” and “being patient” lies in the attitude we adopt during the process. In both cases, we face a delay in getting what we want. When we wait for the bus, we may wait while checking the schedule or the bus’s location according to our GPS. Our state of mind is somewhat anxious. We may be annoyed by the delay or worried about the bus being late. A patient person would trust the transportation system and use this time to work on a project or relax while listening to music. Waiting is passive (while boiling inside!), whereas being patient pushes us toward action, even if the action is sometimes resting!
Patience implies an attitude of acceptance. Our answer isn’t here yet; we trust in the one who made the promise, so we don’t worry about the process. We are able to remain calm and positive even if the answer is delayed. We certainly have a great desire to see our answer, but it doesn’t take precedence in our thoughts. We don’t try to control the process; we trust the source of our answer.
For Christians, being patient means living in faith, hope, and love. It is a solid foundation that never fades. “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV). It is when we are patient, when we trust in the One who has our solution, God, that we truly put our faith into practice. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV).
When you’re dating, you need to be patient with your partner. There’s always one partner who needs more time to make the decision to get married. Don’t just wait and see, pushing the other to make their decision. Be patient, and use this “before marriage” time to strengthen your friendships and improve your skills in various areas. Trust God in this process, and also trust your partner. Waiting pushes you to control the situation; patience forces you to submit to God. “rejoicing in hope, patient[a] in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Romans 12:12 NKJV).
King Saul waited for the prophet Samuel; he wasn’t patient (1 Samuel 13). When Samuel was late in arriving, Saul lost patience and went against what God had commanded him to do. And the consequences for him were quite drastic. A good example not to follow! If we need patience, let us turn to the Holy Spirit. It is, after all, one of the fruits of our relationship with Him! He will calm us and help us keep our eyes fixed on Christ.