Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the
Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient
about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient;
strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain,
brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged;
behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. As an example, brethren, of
suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We
count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and
have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is
merciful.
In view of all
this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises.
Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral
excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control
with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness
with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.