Exercise patience . . . , brothers, until the presence of the Lord.-Jas. 5:7.

Like farmers, Christians are cultivating things that often grow slowly-understanding of God´s Word, love for Jehovah, and a Christlike spirit. This calls for patience. James wrote: "Look! The farmer keeps waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, exercising patience over it until he gets the early rain and the late rain. You too exercise patience; make your hearts firm, because the presence of the Lord has drawn close." (Jas. 5:7, 8) James was urging fellow believers to ‘exercise patience until the Lord´s presence.´ If the disciples did not understand something, Jesus patiently explained or illustrated matters. (Matt. 13:10-23; Luke 19:11; 21:7; Acts 1:6-8) Now that the Lord is present, there is a similar need for patience as we endeavor to make disciples. Those who become Jesus´ followers in our day require patient instruction.-John 14:9. w07 11/15 1:13