Patience is a life skill that many of us rarely develop. We neglect to pray for patience, and
honestly, it is a character trait we wish we never had to exercise. No matter how we feel about patience, we will need to exhibit it in many instances. We need patience in our friendships, relationships, with our family members, in cooking, in our faith journey, and in so much more.
We may try, but we cannot escape the need and power of forbearance in daily life. Patience is the ability to endure difficult circumstances, delays, or suffering without becoming annoyed or upset. It involves maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, exercising self-control, and showing understanding and tolerance towards others and situations. Patience is often seen as a virtue and an important aspect of emotional intelligence, helping individuals navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. As we embrace patience, we notice that in the long term of life, it can be powerful.
1. Patience helps to defuse tense situations.
Life can be tense at times, and people can disagree, but exhibiting patience and extending grace to others adds love to the equation instead of the gasoline of more anger. This is not an invitation to be a doormat to others, rather, it is an opportunity for God to shine through you and to use you to help a situation instead of causing further harm. As Jean-Jacques Rousseau says, “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”
2. Patience is something we should pray for God to develop in us.
I know this is a challenging action and prayer request. But understanding that, we know we will need patience. God is able to develop in us what we don’t have the power to create ourselves. Two verses that call us to embrace patience as a lifestyle is from Galatians 5:22-23, which says, 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentlenesses and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. James 1:3-4 says, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Because we are called to a life of patience, we must pray that God develops patience in us so that we will be mature in our dealings with others. Quite often, we aren’t very patient with others, and this can lead to arguments and pain. But when we ask God to develop patience in us, we realize not only are we called to embrace patience, but God will help us to exhibit this fruit of the Spirit as we turn our lives over to Him.
3. Patience helps us to live happier lives instead of hateful ones.
God wants more from us than to be filled with hate and vengeance. Rage does not have to take center stage in our lives. But we must submit our entire selves to God and allow God to
transform us, even our emotions. Phillip Brooks says, “Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious.” Patience gives many of our issues and burdens to God and helps us to focus only on what we can control. For much of my life, I haven’t been patient with others, and not myself. But I am learning that we can’t control everything, but what we can that’s what we are to do our best with. Patience is not knowing how to act when we are tested, but it means that we embrace forbearance as a lifestyle, knowing that what God has for us will not be missed. We must trust that God will control what we cannot because God is with us every step of the way. So slow down, embrace patience, and pray that God’s patience will be developed in and through you.
Embracing patience is a journey, not a destination. It requires conscious effort, daily practice, and a reliance on a higher power. By cultivating patience, we unlock a world of inner peace, stronger relationships, and a deeper connection with ourselves and others. Remember, patience is a gift that keeps on giving. Start small, celebrate your progress, and allow patience to transform your life one moment at a time.
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