As a big
brother to four younger siblings (and also to my three “younger” quadruplet
sisters, though they will dispute that claim), I have had the privilege of
seeing my parents teach patience quite a few times. The first step to this training
is learning the hand gesture for patience, for my parents start training us young, you see, even before we can talk. As my little
siblings get old enough to where their culinary experiences broaden from more
than just milk and baby food, they naturally get a little eager to be fed each
time they are strapped in their high chairs. Who wouldn’t when you can now eat
diced vegetables instead of mash that probably tastes as gross to them as it
does to us? The result of this eagerness is a lot of unintelligible babbling,
which can eventually have quite a strain on the rest of the family . . .
Insert
patience. At this point in their lives, my siblings are taught that hand
gesture for patience I mentioned. Instead of letting them babble away, either
of my parents would tell my sibling, “Show your patience.” My little sibling
(let’s use Joe-Joe for clarity’s sake) would instantly shut up and clap his
hands together, interlocking his fingers and holding his clasped hands before
his chest. It is a gesture that is really cute (while at the same time
peacefully quite), but that is not the point. My parents, the best in the world
in my opinion, are teaching the fourth fruit of the Spirit even before their
trainee can talk.
Patience is
underrated in our world today. We live in a nation that is extremely
fast-paced, and we have grown used to getting what we want, when we want it.
But true Biblical patience is obviously very important and essential to our
Christian lives.
Therefore I, the prisoner
of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which
you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing
tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the
Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)
If we want
to walk in a manner worthy of your calling as a Christian, patience is one of
the essentials. What does this patience look like? Well, I am going to cheat a
little bit and use John Macarthur’s definition from my John Macarthur study
Bible:
Patience: The ability to
endure injuries inflicted by others and the willingness to accept irritating or
painful situations.
Yep, though
it is a good start, Biblical patience goes much deeper than waiting with hands
clasped for your sliced veggies to be served.
We urge you, brethren,
admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with
everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
Therefore be patient,
brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious
produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late
rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord
is near. (James 5:7-8)
As
Christians, we are to be patient with everyone,
and we are never given leave to stop till Jesus returns. If this sounds like it
might be difficult at times, well, it does because it is!
I think this
is a good time to cue the practical application.
Practical
Application
Again, this
is a fruit of the Spirit. We cannot produce it on our own. The most practical
application starts on our knees before God. Paul knew this when he prayed that the
Colossians would be “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious
might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience” (Colossians 1:11a).
We need to
be strengthened by God to attain patience, and His strength comes through the
Holy Spirit in our lives (Ephesians 3:16, Acts 1:8). We must first make Jesus
Christ our Lord and then be obedient to His Word if we are to be strengthened in
attaining patience. (See, you knew I was going to circle back to obeying God’s
laws)
Also, when
it gets hard to show patience in the face of unjust circumstances, just
remember the example Christ Jesus set for us! Though the verse below is written
to servants in subjection to their masters, I think it definitely applies:
For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward
God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is
there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience?
But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also
suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps. (1
Peter 2:19-22)
The passage
continues in the following verses to explain Jesus’s example, that even while
He was reviled and suffering, he did not revile in return or utter threats but
kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously. We should all remember
the unbelievable sacrifice Jesus made and live accordingly, entrusting
ourselves to our Almighty God. Maybe then it will be easy to bear with patience
the things that pale in comparison to what Jesus bore for us.
The last
thing is to just not give room for disparaging this fruit of the Spirit. In
several places we learn that patience (translated “perseverance” in my NASB
Bible) is the important middle link to hope in God’s love. Patience is
important.
And not only this, but
we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about
perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out
within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)
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