Day 1093 · Year 3 · The Great Tradition
Tertullian on the slow work of being formed
An African Christian wrote a whole treatise on patience.
Today's passage
James 5:7-8
7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains.
8You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.
Berean Standard Bible · public domain
Reflection
Tertullian wrote a treatise called 'On Patience,' arguing that patience is more central to Christian character than we usually admit. James agrees: 'Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.' He uses the picture of a farmer waiting for fruit. Most of the things God grows in you happen on agricultural time, not internet time. The hurry to be 'further along by now' is often more about you than about God. Slow down. Wait. He has not forgotten the harvest.
From the great tradition · paraphrased
Tertullian · Apologists & Early Church · 2nd–3rd c. · North Africa
Tertullian treated patience as a real Christian virtue — the slow steadiness that endures wrongs, waits on God's timing, and refuses to be hurried by either fear or pride.
Paraphrase only. Scripture, not any teacher, is the authority.
Think it through
- What picture does James use for patience, and why?
- Why is hurry so often spiritually corrosive?
- Where do you most need to slow down and wait on God?
A prayer to pray
Bring your hurry to God. Ask him for the patience of the farmer — and trust him with the harvest.