No one is more patient than God Himself. His very character exuberates patience. Throughout time, our heavenly Father has waited patiently for man to choose Him and His love over all else. Biblestudytools.com (www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/patience/) says that “Patience” implies suffering, enduring or waiting, as a determination of the will and not simply under necessity.” When we think of how God waits for man to choose a life with Him, we see all of these qualities of patience.
First, let’s look at suffering. Christ suffered on the cross to reconcile man to God. Christ had to suffer and experience the pain from the cross in order to bring about salvation for mankind. In this Christian life, we too may experience pain and suffering. Hebrews 2:10 says that God made Jesus a perfect leader in His suffering. We should follow in His example, knowing that suffering brings about glory. Christ endured the testing and trials the devil put him through, as it states in James 1:12 (God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.) He endured so we could follow Him in that and also endure to receive the prize. This makes all suffering we endure seem so much less than anything He went through. We can be patient in all we endure in this life because Christ was patient with us.
The King James version of the Bible uses the word “long suffering” instead of patience. Some days it may feel more like long suffering instead of patience. Know that Christ understands and because of this, God sent His Holy Spirit to live inside of the believer to give the believer patience.