ON ANY GIVEN DAY, we may encounter frustrating people and situations, such as a mischievous child, uncooperative coworker(s), or; slow commute. We might feel like retaliating by lashing out, however, God wants us to remain calm and be patient with everyone ( 1 Thess. 5:14). Scripture has a number of things to say about believers developing this important attribute.
First, it is our calling. God urges you and I to be tolerant, kind, and to bear each other’s burdens ( Eph. 4:1-3). Second, The LORD has set an example for us: He demonstrated patience toward Peter’s actions, the crowd’s demands and, the leaders’ false accusations. It would not hurt, to aspire to such composure. And third, we should recognize how damaging impatience is. Impatience can hurt others and close off dialogue, it can ruin relationship(s) that can harvest serious consequences and; close off dialogue.
Just imagine, responding calmly and rationally, gives people room to confess wrongdoing, explain their attitude and, bring about amazing changes.
In closing, patience is part of the spiritual fruit that increasingly develops as we are conformed to Christ’s image ( Gal. 5:22-23). When we rely on the Holy Spirit, He empowers us to wade through moments of waiting and provocation—without becoming agitated, bent and out of shape emotionally. A calm demeanor in tones of delay or adversity can be a powerful witness to the transforming work of God.
I pray, that, as this message has blessed me, that it will be a blessing to someone else, in Jesus’ Name, amen.
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