Patience in Suffering

⁷ Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.^(A) See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting^(B) for the autumn and spring rains.^{(C) 8} You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming^(D) is near.^{(E) 9} Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters,^(F) or you will be judged. The Judge^(G) is standing at the door!^(H)

¹⁰ Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets^(I) who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹ As you know, we count as blessed^(J) those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance^(K) and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.^(L) The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.^(M)

¹² Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.^(N)

³ Above all, you must understand that in the last days^(A) scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.^{(B) 4} They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?^(C) Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”^(D)

⁹ The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise,^(A) as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient^(B) with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.^(C)

² Dear friends,^(A) now we are children of God,^(B) and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,^[a](C) we shall be like him,^(D) for we shall see him as he is.^{(E) 3} All who have this hope in him purify themselves,^(F) just as he is pure.^(G)