Patience involves endurance under difficult circumstances. No matter how difficult, the believer must remain faithful and steadfast. Saints (i.e. believers) are called to be patient (Rev 14:12) to maintain a holy witness and testimony in the Lord Jesus Christ so that unbelievers can see Christ in them. During the Tribulation period, believers, without the mark of the beast, will face great afflictions. But with “the patience of the saints” (Rev 14:12), they will endure through the hardship.

1. Patience is measured in obedience (Rev 14:12)

The saints “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Rev 14:12). In order to this they must study God’s Word with the intent of obeying His Word faithfully and fully, not only partially. They will be careful in their responses (both in words and actions), so as not to stumble others, and so as not to lose their witness for Christ. If they do fall short and sin against God, they will immediately confess and repent of their sins, and continue to live a holy life that is according to God’s Word for the glory of God.

2. Patience perseveres to the end (Rev 14:13a)

Patience in the saints may fluctuate at times, but they are to persevere to the end and not to give up even when they are in the midst of overwhelming troubles. They must not allow difficult circumstances to distract them from the holy path. They must continue to seek God’s will and do His work with the same zeal and fervency as when they first started. They must keep praying to God for help, guidance, wisdom and strength to endure all their trials and tribulations. They must trust in God and lean only on His strength, never on their own, all the way to the end of their life here on earth.

3. Patience will be remembered (Rev 14:13b)

Faithful saints who remain patient will be remembered by God (v13: “their works do follow them”). They are to toil non-stop on earth for Christ, even till they are exhausted and even when the results may not be what they desired. Many sacrifices may be required of them, but they must never indulge in self-pity. They must continue to persevere and toil for God despite facing obstacles or difficulties. God sees all the works that they do for Him, and will remember all their works and will reward them accordingly in heaven.

Do you have “the patience of the saints” (Rev 14:12) while you are here on this earth? Are you truly a saint of the Lord Jesus Christ?