Patience.
To be honest, it isn't my strong point. It really is my strongest struggle.
I love hitting mile marks and checking things off my to do list. The time between each mile marker and goal, I stress, I tap my foot, and I annoy until I finally get to where I want to be.
Most girls drop hints every once in a while that they are ready to get engaged; I started bugging Simeon at least once every day until he finally proposed. Patience was a foreign word to me until I came to Christ and learned about the Fruits of the Spirit.
As I read about Patience through a wonderful Bible study my senior year of high school, I started to realize that the patience thing that I wasn't good at wasn't the only type of Patience there is, according to God’s Word.
In God’s Word, Patience isn't all about just waiting, waiting, and waiting some more.
Just like most of the Fruits of the Spirit, Patience isn't just that straightforward and self-focused.
While we all could do with the kind of Patience that takes learning how to wait gracefully, God’s version of Patience can also be centered around others.
In God’s Word, Patience isn't all about just waiting, waiting, and waiting some more.
Just like most of the Fruits of the Spirit, Patience isn't just that straightforward and self-focused.
While we all could do with the kind of Patience that takes learning how to wait gracefully, God’s version of Patience can also be centered around others.
I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be reading in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great PATIENCE and instruction. -2 Timothy 4: 1-2 (NASB)
This is what we are called to do with each other. We are called to have patience in our teaching with one another. To deliver any correcting in the softest way possible. To deliver the message of the Gospel with as much care as we can muster. To bring our kindness and softness into every conversation that we have with fellow believers and non-believers.
Patience can be something that can so easily slip away when we are around people who don’t believe the same things as we do. I think we realize when we're losing our patience with people who don’t believe what we do, and so it's easiest to see and pull back from. I’m happy this is true because it is our best way to show Jesus to non-believers and shows how we are different.
But we also need to remember our patience with other believers, too. I think that we gain so much trust with one another that we start to instinctually expect them to take more of a beating from us because they won’t judge us as harshly. We need to remember to give each other as much grace and softness as we give non-believers because we should be a little harder on each other on our faults, on correcting, and with pushing each other in Christ.
So next time you are sharing the Gospel, discussing opposing views, or just hanging with friends, remember the Patience that God has poured into you. The grace that He gives you every day. The softness in which He shapes us daily. Let the Patience that He shows us each and every day bleed into every single one of your conversations and interactions with others.
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Thank you for sharing with us, Sabra!
Stay tuned for the rest of our study in the Fruit of the Spirit!
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I just love your blog so much! I 100% agree with this! I was telling a friend the other day that I'm seeing more and more Christians somewhat attacking non believers for living like well non believers! You can't expect those that don't know Christ to live godly lives. Jesus didn't bash people over the head to get them to come to Him. He loved them and fellowshiped with them. He spoke truth but loved people which is what drew others to Him
ReplyDeleteI loved this post! patience (both types that you discuss) is definitely something I struggle with! Thanks for this encouraging reminder of how God desires we exercise patience and kindness with others.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this and giving new definitions of patience!!!! Definitely an area I need help with ;)
ReplyDeleteI love this! I especially like how you call us "To bring our kindness and softness into every conversation that we have with fellow believers and non-believers." This is so pertinent today when we are quick to speak our minds and judge others. Blessed to be your neighbor at #TellHisStory
ReplyDeleteGreat post and great to connect at #TellHisStory. Keep doing what you do!
ReplyDeleteI think that isn't usually one of the first verses we look to in a discussion of patience, but thanks for reminding us of this particular context and need for patience in relationships.
ReplyDeletePatience is something I think everyone works on. Thanks for posting such encouragement. I am adding this verse to my list!
ReplyDeleteGod is so patient with us. Whenever I struggle with knowing how to be patient I just look at how patient He is and follow that example. Thanks for your words. Stopping by from Reflect.
ReplyDeletePatience is my strongest struggle too. I REALLY have to intentionally work on it. It's so hard, but definitely worth it for me and the others around me.
ReplyDeleteSabra, I love this: "Let the Patience that He shows us each and every day bleed into every single one of your conversations and interactions with others." How appropriate that He shine His light through us with the blood He shed to save us. Thank you, Ally, for sharing your heart and Sabra's words at #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing. : )
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what I needed to hear!
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