Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH
“He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.” Proverbs 14:29
One of the Merriam-Webster definitions of patience is: “steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.”
It’s not the most uplifting definition. Being patient is hard because as humans, we have a tendency to want what we want at that particular moment.
Unfortunately, it seems that life is often a test of patience.
I struggle with waiting – whether it’s sitting in traffic or at a restaurant. Why, I’d rather drive five miles out of the way than sit stuck in traffic. I get impatient when I’m facing a deadline and get interrupted or when someone says they’ll do something and then fall through.
Do you ever pray, “Lord, give me some patience, now!”
Let me suggest a few practical ways to learn patience:
- Take a deep breath and pray for self-control.
- When people anger you, if possible, retreat for a moment. Take time to back off and get control of your emotions.
- Confront fairly, and seek to listen and understand first. When needed, be sure to forgive.
- Remember, the greatest motive for patience is remembering God’s patience with us.
Patience is a precious commodity and a powerful way to win the respect of others and turn a potential enemy into a friend.
DIG DEEPER
Read “What Does the Bible Say About Patience?” at GotQuestions.org
