Patience

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“… be patient toward all men.” 1 Thessalonians 5v14 (KJV)

“…[and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper].” 1 Thessalonians 5v14 (AMP)

We might sometimes find ourselves losing our temper towards others, sometimes because they act differently from us or we are just not in the “mood”. But the first characteristic trait of love that we find in 1 Corinthians 13v4 is actually patience. Patience can be defined as “the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like; an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay; quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: … the capacity for enduring pain, trying situations, etc.” Beloved, are you patient? Would you willingly suppress restlessness or annoyance in the face of delay? Are you patient towards others? What of in the face of provocation, when annoyed, when it is painful? The Lord will have us to be patient towards all men. Not just those who are nice or kind, but all men – young, old, male, female, boss, employee, friend, brother, sister, parent, child. Sometimes we never know where people are at; but perhaps if we knew their story we would act more kindly towards them. God was and remains very patient towards us. Indeed even now He is patient with us so that people might come to repentance. Let us be patient towards all men. Let us not give up on them.  

Supplementary Text

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare…. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.” 2 Peter 3v9-10 & 14-15 (NIV)

Prayer

Father we thank You for Your patience towards us. We ask for great grace to be patient toward all men in Jesus name, amen.