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paralleling ASFG 1 lesson on “PATIENCE”
ASFG LESSON: Introduction/Value of Patience
BIBLE READING: II Peter, 1st Chapter
(pages 59 and 60)
1. Patience as a Spiritual Seed
Patience, like kindness, hope, and brotherly love, is one of the spiritual “seeds” Peter lists among the fruits of the Spirit (see 2 Peter 1:5–7 and Galatians 5:22–23). It’s not enough to simply believe in these virtues—we must cultivate them until they become part of our emotions and daily reactions. This is how they become practical expressions of our faith.
Even when anger arises, we are called, as Paul wrote, to “be angry and sin not” (Ephesians 4:26). Patience doesn’t mean the absence of emotion but the discipline to express emotions through love and self-control. Remembering that the Lord “will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7) reminds us to control our tongues and tempers.
2. From Purging to Bearing Fruit
Accepting Jesus purifies us spiritually, but the fruits of the Spirit only mature through practice. Just as a gardener must sow and tend to his plants, we must actively cultivate patience through our choices and relationships. As the ASFG text says, “Patience is an activity of the God-mind within each soul… through patience we learn to know self.”
In families, patience is essential. A lack of patience breeds strife; its presence brings peace. It is one of the signs of God’s presence on earth, and by practicing it, we bring that divine presence into our homes and communities.
3. Time, Space, and the Presence of God
Patience is also a way of perceiving time and space. Through patient waiting and endurance, we align ourselves with God’s eternal rhythm. As Psalm 37:7 teaches, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” Cayce explains that this awareness reveals God’s presence in our three-dimensional world—the physical, mental, and spiritual realms.
When we lose patience, it often stems from ego—the desire to assert our will rather than God’s. This is similar to the person who drinks to escape self-awareness, trying to replace divine guidance with false confidence. True patience arises from humility and self-knowledge.
4. The Ladder of Spiritual Growth
Cayce reflects Peter’s “ladder of virtues” (2 Peter 1:5–7):
“Add to your faith virtue; to virtue knowledge; to knowledge temperance; to temperance patience; to patience godliness; to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness love.”
Faith connects us to God, virtue builds integrity within, knowledge brings understanding, and temperance applies discipline. Patience is the point where these qualities begin to express outwardly in our lives—it is the bridge between inner growth and outward godliness.
If we have patience, we will not take the Lord’s name in vain or speak rashly, for such actions show impatience with self and disregard for divine order.
5. Moses, Impatience, and Inner Correction
Cayce uses Moses as an example. When Moses broke the tablets of the Law out of anger at Israel’s idolatry (Exodus 32:19), he demonstrated human impatience. Later, in pleading for the people’s forgiveness, he was also seeking reconciliation within himself. His repentance reflected the truth that to fulfill God’s purpose, we must align our inner selves with divine patience and mercy.
This moment shows that even great leaders must master their tempers before they can channel God’s will effectively. Patience, therefore, is not passivity—it is strength under control.
6. Christ as the Perfect Example
Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the perfect embodiment of patience. As Hebrews 5:8 says, “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.” Through suffering, He became at one with the Father, showing that patience is the path to divine unity.
Cayce likens this to the story of Job, whose steadfast endurance amid trials mirrors Christ’s earthly example. Job’s patience demonstrates that even in suffering, faith and endurance lead to spiritual completeness (James 5:11).
7. Patience as the Heart of Spiritual Life
Patience forms the heart of our relationship with God, others, and ourselves. As we treat others, so we reveal our understanding of God (1 John 4:20). Cayce writes that “the fire” that tries us is our own temper. When we express anger, we create destructive spiritual vibrations that inevitably return to us—a truth echoed in Galatians 6:7, “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
8. Active and Constructive Patience
Patience is not passive resignation. It is active endurance—a constructive attitude in the face of difficulty. It means responding to pessimism and negativity with creative faith, hope, and perseverance. The ASFG text reinforces this, saying:
“Patience does not mean merely remaining placid or allowing others to walk over you. Patience means being positively constructive in the face of pessimism.”
We must “cultivate patience” like tending a garden. Each person’s soul-soil is unique, so our ways of growth differ—but all require attention, faith, and divine care.
Theological Explanation and Biblical Synthesis
Concept—Cayce’s Teaching (Biblical Support)
Patience as Seed of Spirit—One of the “fruits of the Spirit,” requiring cultivation until it becomes part of our emotional life. (Galatians 5:22–23 – “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience…”)
Faith and Virtue Precede Patience—Faith and virtue lay the foundation for patience and godliness. (2 Peter 1:5–7 – The ladder of virtues.)
Anger and Ego as Obstacles—Losing patience comes from self-centeredness, not divine purpose. (Ephesians 4:26, James 1:20 – “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”)
Christ the Perfect Example—Jesus’ endurance through suffering made Him one with the Father. (Hebrews 5:8, Philippians 2:8 – “He humbled Himself… even to death on a cross.”)
Moses’ Lesson in Patience—Moses’ anger revealed human weakness; repentance led to inner harmony. (Exodus 32:19–32 – Moses intercedes after breaking the tablets.)
Active Patience—Not passivity, but constructive faith
amid trial. (Romans 5:3–4 – “Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.”)
Conclusion
Patience, in Edgar Cayce’s and the ASFG lesson’s teachings, is the living proof of spiritual maturity.
Patience is:
The bridge between belief and action, faith and love.
The strength to endure trials with peace and purpose.
The evidence of God’s presence within us.
Through patience, we “possess our souls” (Luke 21:19), becoming instruments of divine love in the world. Each moment of endurance builds eternity into our hearts, fulfilling the promise that “He that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13).
Affirmation
“In my patience, I possess my soul.
In quietness and trust, I rest in Thee, O Lord.
Thy peace governs my heart, Thy purpose orders my path.
Though time may test me and trials surround me,
I shall not be moved, for Thy light within sustains me.
Thy will is my will; Thy patience, my peace.”
Scriptural Foundation:
Luke 21:19 – “In your patience possess ye your souls.”
Isaiah 26:3 – “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee.”
Romans 12:12 – “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”
This affirmation centers the heart on the union of patience and divine peace, reminding us that patience is not delay but alignment — an inward resting in God’s eternal timing.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Source of all peace and purpose,
Teach me the holy art of patience.
Still the storms of haste and pride within my soul,
that I may wait upon Thee in faith and quiet strength.
When my heart would rush ahead or my temper flare,
remind me that Thy ways are eternal,
and that love, once planted, ripens only in Thy season.
Help me to see Thee in each delay,
to hear Thy wisdom in each silence,
and to feel Thy presence in the waiting.
Let my words be calm, my thoughts kind,
my spirit steadfast, even in trial.
As Christ bore His cross with patience and peace,
may I also bear mine with courage,
trusting that every testing perfects Thy image in me.
Make my patience Thy praise,
and my waiting Thy witness,
until I am wholly one with Thee.
Amen.
Scriptural Echo:
Hebrews 10:36 – “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
James 1:4 – “Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Meditation
Theme: “Patience is the quiet strength of the soul.”
Sit in silence. Let your breath follow the rhythm of peace.
Feel time slow — as though each moment were eternal.
Bring to mind something that tests your patience.
Don’t resist it. Instead, let it rest in the light of God’s love.
Ask yourself: “What lesson of love is hidden in this waiting?”
Hear within:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
As you breathe, imagine the light of Christ filling your heart —
calm, steady, warm.
With each breath, whisper inwardly:
“Thy peace is within me. Thy patience is my strength.”
Feel the burden lift. Time no longer presses upon you;
instead, it unfolds like a flower in God’s season.
Rest here in awareness:
not striving, not forcing, simply being.
For patience is not waiting for something to happen —
it is awakening to the Presence that is already here.
Scriptural Reflection:
Romans 5:3–5 – “Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts.”
Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
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