To be honest, patience is something I still struggle with. It’s so easy to lose your patience when dealing with other people and things too sometimes. I also think our society doesn’t help with promoting this virtue. The messaging we see around us is faster, more efficient, instant, time saving, etc and when you are constantly bombarded with these, you could forget that many things need time to grow and mature and are worth waiting for. The Bible teaches us to love God with all of our being, and love others as we love ourselves. Patience is a way of showing love.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes

Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

Be patient WITH God

God doesn’t run with our timing. If He did everything we wanted, when we wanted them, that would mean He wasn’t God, we were. The fact that He runs on His own time based on His knowledge of all things must be respected. God is patient with us so we must be patient and trust His timing. Read God’s word and be reassured of His promises and His love for you.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise,
as some understand slowness.
Instead He is patient with you,
not wanting anyone to perish,
but everyone to come to repentance

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

Be patient with yourself

Loving one’s self means loving every part of one’s self. Darling, you may not be where you want to be, but are you working towards it? Yes? Then, be patient. Look at the progress you’ve made so far, keep your goal in front of you and keep going.

And patience produces character,
and character produces hope

Romans 5:4 (NCV)

Be patient with others

Being patient with others means giving others room for growth and error. When you find yourself being impatient with others, maybe try to put yourself in their shoes. Think about this: Does your impatience produce the result you desire? If not, why do you continue in it?

Patience can persuade a prince,
and soft speech can break bones

Proverbs 25:15 (NIV)

Final Thoughts

Patience is not sluggishness or waiting and complaining. It is a virtue. It is something to be desired. However, it is not something that we can do on our own; we need God’s help to be patient.

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How are you going to show patience this week? Do you have any story of a time your patience paid off?

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