“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be
likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.”
Romans 15: 5  (KJV)

Patience is one of the Fruits of the Spirit written about in Galatians 5.  It may possibly be one of the most difficult to master.  Yet it can be one of the most rewarding when you recognize the results.

Jesus Christ is a perfect example of one who constantly extends patience.  He is patient with you every day, and never gives up on you no matter how long it takes you to “get it”.  It is unfortunate how impatient we are even with God!  We won’t easily admit it, but we prove it in our actions all too often.  In this society of instant gratification, we want what we want, and we want it now!  Romans 15: 5 reminds us that God is the progenitor of patience and expects us as recipients to extend the same to one another.  From the time that we come into this world someone has had to be patient with us.  Patience while we are growing, learning, and navigating through the vicissitudes of life. 

I do not know of anyone who has not experienced the frustration of being unable to grasp the concept of something academically.  No matter how hard you study, you just cannot seem to get it!  But then there comes along a teacher, a mentor, a friend, or parent that takes the time to offer an easier method or alternative that immediately opens your eyes of understanding!  Instantly that awful pressure is lifted!  How many times do we suffer painful situations in life that shake the very core of our being?  We begin to wonder how did this happen, why did this happen, and how will I ever get through it.  Then miraculously someone steps in who unselfishly and compassionately takes the time to pray you through, comfort you, and stick with you until your crisis passes over.  It is that wonderful person that shares the love of Christ without putting a time frame on when you should be the victor and not the victim.

It has become very apparent to me that patience does not come easy for most of us.  But it is quite sad because your destiny is shaped by the virtue of patience.  God is patient with us, our parents and those who raise us are patient with us, our teachers are patient with us, our spouses are patient with us.  Even if you have not experienced patience from all those sources, someone has extended the virtue of patience to you.  No one comes into the world fully matured as a perfect human being.  In fact, we will never reach perfection, but it is possible to reach our destiny by becoming the best possible person we can be.  But it cannot be achieved without the patience of others surrounding us. 

Our needs and expectations of others are the same things we must in turn extend to those around us.   This reflects a key component to basic humanity.  People mature at different stages in life, and reach that maturity at very difference paces.  We so easily disassociate ourselves from people when they don’t “get it” at the exact moment we deem that they should.  But the question arises, where would we be if those around us turned their back and cut us off because it was taking us too long to understand some of those basic principles of life.  What is simple for one, may be extremely complex and difficult for another.   So, in closing let’s look at how we can become virtuous through patience:

Take time to really listen to the concerns of others.Do not think you always need to talk and have all the answers and solutions.  Your presence and attention speaks volumes and goes a long way.Become genuinely interested in the wellbeing of others.Put the concerns of someone else before yours.If you say you’re going to pray for someone DO IT!Ask God to present opportunities for you to show compassion and genuine love, and show you how to do it.Reflect upon the many experiences throughout your life that patience was extended to you.Above all, always be mindful of how PATIENT GOD HAS BEEN WITH YOU!

Source: First Lady Denise