Patient In Affliction

In this three-part series, we will be taking an in-depth look at a single verse in the book of Romans. Romans has been called the greatest theological document ever written as Paul explains the Good News in the most orderly and thorough presentation of the gospel message. We will be looking at Romans 12:12, specifically at Paul’s instruction to be patient in affliction.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

For me, the worst part about going to the doctor is the waiting. You make your appointment but that time only represents when you might get called back to…where? The waiting room! A room whose entire purpose is for you to just wait! Waiting isn’t easy to do in general but it’s so much harder when you aren’t feeling well, when you are afflicted by some illness or pain. When we are suffering, we don’t have much patience. We have experienced quite a bit of affliction these last two years with the rise of this new virus and the devastating policies of our leaders. Many have known affliction in ways never before experienced, not just from getting flu/cold-like symptoms but the afflictions caused by isolation and lockdowns. Patience usually isn’t what comes quickly when we are struck with affliction.

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” (Romans 12:1)

The heading of Romans 12 is “A Living Sacrifice to God” and that is what we are called to be. As followers of Christ, we are, as Paul wrote, slaves to Christ instead of slaves to sin. When we dedicate ourselves to God, we are a living and holy sacrifice that He finds acceptable. What follows after giving ourselves as a living sacrifice for the Lord is the behavior and choices that Paul describes in the rest of the chapter. We can have patience in affliction because we have given ourselves over to the Lord.

“But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.” (Romans 6:22)

“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave….” (Philippians 2:6-7a)

Give yourself over to the Lord as Jesus did, not holding on to privilege or rights, but taking the position of a slave. Rather than complain, gripe, whine, or grow angry in affliction, be patient because you have given yourself over to God.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.