And let the longsuffering of our Lord be considered salvation. (2P 3:15a)
Καὶ τὴν τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν μακροθυμίαν σωτηρίαν ἡγεῖσθε.
Et Domini nostri longanimitatem, salutem arbitramini.
The noun μακροθυμία [macrothymia] consists of two words. The first is μακρος (macros), which indicates some extension in time (long) or in space (far). The second word is θυμος [thymos], which can be understood as a strong feeling, desire, longing. Patience is therefore the attitude of a person who can endure a situation when something he wants is far away (spatially or temporally). In classical Greek, the noun μακροθυμία [macrothymia] denoted the persistence and patience with which a physician treats serious chronic diseases without being sure that he can cure them. Elsewhere, he referred to commanders and soldiers, pointing to constancy in enduring hardships and perseverance in suffering until the goal is achieved.
The Bible shows that patience is primarily a feature of God – He is patient with us… Moreover, His patience is saving for us – it saves us when we lack stability and when we are torn by various feelings and desires… Patience is therefore an expression of LOVE.
