Soul Care - Patience
by Mary Elsbury
My office moved to a new location the other day – packing up one space and then unpacking, trying to get the phones and copy machine added to the new network, hooking up the computer to the Ethernet. Nothing was working and I was ready to blow my top. And then I happened to notice a little sign I keep on my desk: “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying” (Romans 12:12 NLT). Gulp.
Patience is defined as “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.” We are living in a world that has set an expectation that we no longer have to wait to get what we want, when we want it. There are fast-food establishments that can produce almost any drink or food item, exactly the way we want, it in a flash. Road rage is on the rise, cameras are an everyday part of life for police, and mobile phones give us instant access to information.
How have we gotten so demanding to have things instantaneously? Historically, the word “patience” comes from the Latin word for patient or one who suffers from being injured or sick. The Bible refers to longsuffering and endurance. We are encouraged to continue when times are tough. Patience is listed as part of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. Christ demonstrated patience with His followers – and with us. It is a product of self-control and a part of godliness, which was demonstrated to us by Christ. Patience is an important part of helping us grow and become stronger in our faith during trials. Our patience pleases God and results in His blessing.
Our society lacks patience, which leads to many poor decisions. With continued drifting away from God’s Word, calling for patience by anyone often leads to accusations that someone is deliberately trying to cover something up. Likewise, the lack of patience has led to a vigilante mindset that demands people be fired or officials be jailed because of an unwillingness to wait to gather all the facts before rendering a judgement. Then, later, when the facts do not bear out the hasty verdict, no mercy is extended to those who were wrongfully accused. James (1:19-21) points this out by saying “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
What can we do to cultivate patience? Our human nature responds with frustration and impatience, however as a Christian, we were made new creatures in Christ. We need to take a breath before we blow a gasket. We need to lean on the truths in God’s Word and walk in them daily. Romans 15:4-5 (NLT) states “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.”
That’s my prayer for us all.
