Patience—managing the monstrous

Over 1,000 people gathered to attend the divine service in the church in Leipzig, Germany on Sunday, 7 August 2016. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider based his sermon on a passage from James 1: 2-3: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

He went on to explain that the Bible text is a call to remain patient even in trials. He mentioned that other Bible translations talk about “temptations”—in which the evil one seeks to separate us from God—or even “tests”, in which God seeks to help us grow and develop further.

Patience does not refer to passive waiting. It does not imply, “Oh, don’t worry. Things will get better.” Patience can be identified when one maintains a firm faith in God, follows Jesus actively, and serves the congregation steadfastly. “Patience has to do with endurance and persistence, with steadfastness,” said Chief Apostle Schneider before going on to clear a common defensive assertion out of the way: “This patience has absolutely nothing to do with our character. This is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. And wherever the Holy Spirit is at work, patience comes into being.”

Patience in temptation

“Perhaps some spirit comes along and tries to tell us that what God says isn’t true, or that what He has promised is of no value,” said the Church leader as he described a form of temptation in our day. “But through the Holy Spirit, we have been taught that the will of God is and remains valid until the end.” He pointed out that it is this instruction that leads to patience, before going on to add, “And even if millions of people say, ‘That doesn’t work anymore today,’ we will remain steadfast in faith!”

Patience under the cross

“Following the Lord does not make life easier. We have all noticed that by now. If we are obedient and try to live in in accordance with the truth of God and His commandments, then we will have more difficulties.” The Chief Apostle called this the cross of the Christian. “But the Holy Spirit also instructs us in this situation: He constantly reminds us about that which awaits us. He tells us about our future. And then we remain patient under the cross, knowing that it is worthwhile to remain faithful and loyal!”

Patience in tests and trials

“Perhaps we have done everything right, and still one evil after another befalls us. We are all familiar with such situations.” In moments like that, people are all too quick to think that God has abandoned them. “But the Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord Jesus, and through the activity of the Holy Spirit, we can feel the proximity and presence of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has not forgotten us,” said the foremost clergyman of the New Apostolic Church. “He has died for me. He continues to work upon my soul. And when we can experience this through the activity of the Holy Spirit, we will also remain patient in our tests and trials.”

Patience with our fellow man

“The imperfections and weaknesses of our neighbour are a challenge.” Through the Holy Spirit, however, “the love of God has been poured out in our hearts,” cited Chief Apostle Schneider. “The Holy Spirit reminds us that we absolutely need grace—and that in order to be forgiven, we must ourselves forgive others. This may appear absolutely impossible at times, but through the activity of the Holy Spirit—that is, if love develops within us—we will be in a position to accomplish this.”

Patience with ourselves

“Oh, I have failed again! And I had resolved to do so much good…” With a view to the support we receive through the Holy Spirit, the Church leader pointed out, “The dear God has begun something within you, and He intends to complete it. With His help you can indeed manage it. Just give it another try! And here too it is a wonderful help to remain patient despite our own weaknesses.”

Joy in challenging times

“We are completely normal human beings. We do not rejoice in being tested and tried. We do not rejoice when we have pain.” But nevertheless, the epistle of James states that Christians are even to rejoice in trials and tests, said Chief Apostle Schneider. “What is this joy?” he asked. We can rejoice because we are representatives of the Lord. He sends us into this world, where evil reigns, where human beings are weak, were we are weak. Christians have been sent by their Lord in order to represent Him. This discipleship represents a great trust that God has placed in His people, and that is a foundation for enduring joy.