I struggle often with patience. Am I alone in this confession? In this post I will dive into patience and it’s Biblical meaning and application. It seems pretty black and white, doesn’t it? Be patient, don’t be impatient. However, I have a feeling going deeper will help us wait better, and be slower to react with purpose and power. Amen! Here we go…

PATIENCE: the power or capacity to endure without complaint something difficult or disagreeable; forbearance, longsuffering; bearing trials or pains calmly or without complaint; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity: not hasty or impetuous.

Two words really stick out to me in the above definition: endure and calmly. So patience is the power to endure calmly. Yes, Lord I need this. But how? I try and try and fail and fail. I don’t wait well. I’m quick to impatience. What am I missing?

We see in Galatians that patience is a fruit of the Spirit. God has given us a Helper in the Holy Spirit to fill the voids and inadequacies in us. He knew we wouldn’t be able to do this world without Him. Romans 5:5 says, “For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” How kind of Him to give us such a gift! The Holy Spirit is a gift from the overflow of God’s love for us; a promise fulfilled that He will never leave us or forsake us. He is in us to help us.

The Holy Spirit is a gift from the overflow of God’s love for us.

SH

Here are some of my favorite verses on patience:

Colossians 3:12 tells us to “clothe ourselves with patience” and Titus 2:2 reminds us to, “exercise self control.” James 5:10 says to be patient in our suffering. Romans 2:4 states that God is patient with us. 1 Corinthians 13 reiterates that God is love and love is patient. 1 Corinthians 4:12: “...we are patient with those who abuse us.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14, “Be patient with everyone.”

Whew. Ok that was a lot, but so good, right? Here are two ways to be more patient based on these verses:

#1 Colossians 3:12 —–> Visually PUT ON PATIENCE everyday. I can’t imagine how much smoother our morning mayhem would go if I would do this consistently. How much better I would wait at that red light I have watched turn green twice, how much more loving I would be when the kids can’t find something, forget something or are struggling in general.

#2 Start with Jesus. This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad (patient) in it! When we start each day with time with the Lord in prayer or Bible study time, it turns our hearts to the posture of surrender and looking to him for what we are lacking. He has sent us His Spirit as a gift! Let’s utilize the power inside of us!

Rememberize (remember and memorize, a word my daughter came up with and I love it) this:

• Because God is patient with me, I can be patient with others.
• Because my heart is full of love by the Holy Spirit, I can be patient with others.
• Because God is my helper, I can be patient with others.

God is love (PATIENCE) and he who abides in love (PATIENCE) abides in God and God in Him. (1 John 4:16)

Oh how I long to abide in the Lord so I can properly love others with His patience (because I don’t really have any on my own!). Patience with others, their hearts and their faith. Patience in the morning routine, patience in the bedtime battle. Patience in the teenage years we are embarking upon. Patience in the big and small. Patience in carline. Patience in marriage. Patience in pain. Patience in the unfairness of this world. Patience in other’s sin. Patience in my own sin.

The path of impatience hurts myself and others. The path of patience, with the Lord’s help will bring peace for all.

Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace.

Proverbs 15:18

A prayer~ God, you are patient. You are patience. Guide us into practicing patience, Father. Perform a mighty miracle in us! Peace. Love. Joy. are ours in You. May we abide in You always and be know for our fruitful patience. In Jesus name, AMEN

Ok- I know I try to keep things simple and classy on here but I could not resist this photo. Can anyone else relate!?