Patient
You too be patient; strengthen your hearts … James 5:8
Webster’s dictionary defines patient as: “Enduring trying circumstances with even temper… Enduring without protest or complaint.”
Circumstances in my life recently have granted to me opportunities to exercise patience. When I was in the local hospital emergency room because of my fractures, the quality of care was good but I did a lot of waiting. I waited for x-rays, for a diagnosis, for pain medicine, for a cast to be put on and then for discharge instructions. I think it is an interesting irony that the noun “patient” means a person in need of medical care.
Those who desire to live a life that is pleasing to God, are instructed to be patient. Patience is a precious attribute. It is a component of the fruit of the Spirit. It often grows in a climate of trial and difficulty. Romans 5:3-4 (Amplified Bible) states:
Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.
Often the situations we face are beyond our control. We always have a choice though about our attitude and how we respond.
Regrettably, I don’t always endure without protest or complaint. Therefore, I am grateful that God is patient!
2 Peter 3:9 (Amplified Bible)
The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people's conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.
Webster’s dictionary defines patient as: “Enduring trying circumstances with even temper… Enduring without protest or complaint.”
Circumstances in my life recently have granted to me opportunities to exercise patience. When I was in the local hospital emergency room because of my fractures, the quality of care was good but I did a lot of waiting. I waited for x-rays, for a diagnosis, for pain medicine, for a cast to be put on and then for discharge instructions. I think it is an interesting irony that the noun “patient” means a person in need of medical care.
Those who desire to live a life that is pleasing to God, are instructed to be patient. Patience is a precious attribute. It is a component of the fruit of the Spirit. It often grows in a climate of trial and difficulty. Romans 5:3-4 (Amplified Bible) states:
Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.
Often the situations we face are beyond our control. We always have a choice though about our attitude and how we respond.
Regrettably, I don’t always endure without protest or complaint. Therefore, I am grateful that God is patient!
2 Peter 3:9 (Amplified Bible)
The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people's conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.
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