For the last time we are taking a look at the fourth instruction in this text – be patient with all. Not long ago, we talked about the thick layers of unbelief in the life of Thomas. So strong was his lack of faith in the fact that Jesus had risen that ten witnesses could not persuade him otherwise. The same Thomas went on to be a powerful witness to the Lord in India. He even died a martyr. Imagine if the Lord had discarded him for his unbelief. As with other disciples, Jesus was patient with Thomas. After a time, all of them became mighty apostles who pushed the frontiers of the kingdom beyond Palestine to the ends of the earth.
The admonition of Paul to the brethren at Thessalonica to be patient with all may have been born out of experience. At one time, he could not tolerate the inconsistency in Mark. Remember that Mark tagged along Paul and Barnabas in their first missionary journey. The young man, however, abandoned the mission midway. That was the cause of the separation between Paul and Barnabas. Whatever Mark became must have been because of the patient mentoring he received from Barnabas. Years after, Paul found Mark an asset. “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.” (II Timothy 4:11 NKJV). Most people are like diamonds in the rough. It would take someone of patient inclination to educate and polish them so they can be released into the fullness of destiny.