Patience May Slow Aging

It has long been said that patience is a virtue. And it is indeed a vital element of Christian character—even a fruit of God’s Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). However, are there even more benefits to being patient than spiritual maturity?

New research on the health benefits of patience has been reported by the National University of Singapore (The Epoch Times, June 28, 2025). Geneticists studied patience in university students and discovered that those who displayed more patience and practiced delayed gratification had effectively “younger” cells than those of other students.

Telomeres are the portions at the very ends of DNA strands that act as protective “caps.” As individual cells age, the telomeres grow shorter and shorter. But the telomeres in the cells of more patient people were longer than those in the cells of others, suggesting that they are effectively younger. Researchers suggest that those who are more patient also make more healthful decisions in their daily lives, and the effects of these numerous small decisions accumulate to positively impact their bodies. More patient people also report lower rates of depression and even a lower risk of hypertension. As the study author noted, “How we wait shapes who we become—down to our cells.”

The Bible is full of references to the importance of patience, including the need to “wait on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). Jesus said, “By your patience possess your souls”—that is, your lives (Luke 21:19). Although the context of Jesus’ statement is religious persecution and tribulation, science is now discovering that patience benefits the quality of our lives and apparently can lengthen our lifespans. While scientists continue to search for a medical path to a longer life, they are also discovering that the spiritual path illuminated by God’s word (Psalm 119:105) provides the very health benefit they seek. You can learn more about living longer by reading “Is Eternal Life an Intangible Asset?”