ꫀꪀᦔꪊ᥅ꪖꪀᥴꫀ

Please note, whenever I use the term “endurance” it does not refer to physical stamina as such.

Christian liberty was allowed, not for our pleasure, but for the good of others and ultimately for the glory of God. In going about this, we are called to remember that we are the servants of Christ and thus we are to please our neighbour for the good of his soul only, not by humouring him in a sinful way.

Our Lord lead a life that was spartan and self denying, marked by spotless purity and holiness. As followers of Christ , we too are called upon to emulate Him.

“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:” [Romans 15:5; KJV]

However, there is a marked difference in that He bore even the presumptuous sins of the wicked once at His crucifixion, while we are called only to bear the failings of the weak.

In His view stubbornness and idolatry are not differentiated from each other and there is a distinct correlation between rebellion and witchcraft (ref 1 Samuel 15:23).

For all this it is of utmost importance that we continually strive against the pull of the world, continually enduring in His word and thus abiding in Him.

Endurance is the quality that encapsulates the essence of perseverance, faith, and resilience in the face of trials. It highlights a firm resolve to do that which is good and acceptable in His sight. It means that not only do you know the scripture but you also put a firm credence on it 👇

—and when we do that, He provides for us and His peace envelopes us (ref Isaiah 26:3). Though we are tempted to weariness and our flesh is discouraged, the scriptures are full of passages that spur us on to faithful endurance. The Lord proclaims in the OT

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” [Isaiah 41:10; KJV]

The Bible extols endurance as a virtue that believers must cultivate, to grow closer to God and fulfill their divine purpose.

The "crown of life" serves as a powerful metaphor for the eternal blessings awaiting those who endure. The scripture says

i) “For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation” [Psalm 149:4; KJV]

ii) However, it also states —

“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” [ 24:13; KJV]

So, by inference the meek will endure till the end. Meekness implies mercy and self-restraint. Meekness is not weakness rather it is power under constraint. It is a humble attitude that expresses itself in the patient endurance of offenses. It's a virtue that draws courage, strength, conviction, and good disposition from God, not from self-centered human resources.

Our Lord demonstrated meekness to the very end.

“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:” [1Peter 2:23; KJV]

Those who follow Him will also demonstrate meekness and endurance as the fruit of a Spirit-filled life (ref Galatians 5:22), and they will always want to do His will.