Are You Patient?

When is the last time you were impatient? Months ago? Weeks ago? Days ago? Hours ago? Minutes ago?

The classic quote comes to mind..."patience is a virtue." What does that mean?

Well, God has a lot to say about our being patient - first with Him; second with others.

First of all, we must understand that patience is one of God's attributes:

"The Lord, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin." (Ex. 34:6-7)

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

As for us, God's Word says that the source of our patience is wisdom (Prov. 19:11). And that a man gains wisdom by "fearing the Lord." (Prov. 9:10)

Patience is also a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)

God's Word also defines love as patient. (1 Cor. 13:4)

Therefore, we see that patience is developed only to the extent that we are in constant fellowship with God! We get impatient when we fail to see the world or circumstances or people through God's eyes!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Dish Out