The dictionary defines patience as "the capacity to endure without complaint something difficult or disagreeable." Patience is synonymous with forbearance and longsuffering.

 

Our patience is tested when a goal we desire or expect is threatened or delayed. A simple thing like being stuck in traffic can bring us to the end of our patience. The life we're actually living--strife and turmoil--can wear away our patience.

 

But let's be patient. Impatience makes us vulnerable to great sin. Impatience nearly always comes with destructive anger. Impatience opens the door to pride ("I could manage this world better") and envy ("Others have it; why not me?"). James also links it to grumbling. Let's be patient until the Lord's coming.

 

James urges us to imitate the farmer. The farmer tills the soil, plants, fertilizes, weeds, and waits for the rain. With patience we learn what we can do and what is out of our hands. The secret to biblical patience is to know that what is out of our hands is still in God's hands--and those hands seek our good.

 

Dear God, we confess that we are often impatient. We are too easily irritated. Give us a quiet spirit that takes to heart your good timing, in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Have a blessed day, be safe and healthy. God bless us all.