Devotions of Patience

by Lisa Kennedy

Ahh, patience. If you were to ask me the top five things I struggle with in my life patience would definitely rank in the top five. I am not sure why, but I definitely struggle with patience. Although, with that said, I can see a difference in the amount of patience I have now in comparison with only a few years ago. Things like my dogs teach me patience. Things like my husband teach me patience (I'm smiling on the inside). I am certain that if I am blessed with children, my children will teach me patience.

For many people, the first thing that you think of when you think of Biblical patience might be the Old Testament story of Job. In fact, the New Testament writer James even mentions Job's patience in James 5:11. Job is a wonderful story to study when looking at the topic of patience, and I encourage you to read through the book of Job.

Christians must be patient in many different respects throughout life. Christians are called to be patient in tribulation. Christians are also called to be patient with all those around them. I think that this is where I struggle the most. I find myself becoming easily irritated and annoyed by things that people do around me. Finally, Christians must be patient in awaiting the coming of the Lord.

Here are a few scriptures to consider when looking at the topic of patience:

• James 5:11: "Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful."
• Romans 12:12: "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
• Ephesians 4:1-3: "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
• Colossians 3:12-13: "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Related topics and words which may be useful in study: steadfastness, longsuffering, hope, trust, faith

How do you become more patient in your life? In what ways do you deal with situations which might cause you to lose your patience? Christians must remember that they should put on the characteristic of patience, as part of the new life they live in the Lord.

--
Diane C. Bryce
Howard University
Bachelors of Science Candidate, May 2009
Dove Sister Fabergé
Alpha Nu Omega Sorority, Inc.
#4ΛFA08