Being Patient

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. Proverbs 14:29 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

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.  2 Peter 3:9

On a recent vacation to the Chicago area with my parents, we all learned what patience really looks like! We waited for another wheel chair for my dad because the first one had a broken foot pedal. We were patient as we boarded the plane first and waited for everyone else to come on and stow their belongings. My parents were long-suffering as I waited in line to rent a car and then as we drove two hours through rush hour traffic until we finally arrived at our destination!

What we learned is evident in Proverbs 14:29 and Ephesians 4:2 - that patience helps us to be better equipped to serve others. When we are impatient with other people, we end up getting ourselves in a lot of trouble. We may display anger or frustration and say things that we normally would not say or even do things we wouldn't normally do.

Second Peter 3:9 is a great reminder that God is patient with our shortcomings. Throughout Scripture God demonstated His love through the patience that He had for His people. As 2 Peter 3:9 states, the Lord not only is patient with us but He also keeps His promise to us. God's desire is that no one should die an eternal death and be separated from Him but that all would receive the gift of eternal life that He has provided through Jesus Christ.

Whenever you are tempted to be impatient with a person, situation or even yourself, remember that patience is something that God continues to demonstrate toward us and we can learn from His example and be patient with those we come in contact with in our lives.