Inspiration & Worship

Being Patient

Have you ever lost your temper while talking to someone, only to regret it later? Most of us have. It’s very human to indulge our emotions, when restraint would be far wiser.

All of us want to prove we’re “right” in the points we make. But if our demeanor is unloving, then being “right” doesn’t much matter. The old saying, “They don’t care what you know until they know that you care” is true.

Anyone can hurtfully spew emotions; it takes a real “grown-up” to exercise self-control. The more we mature in Christ, the greater our inner strength becomes. In fact, the ability to be patient, even when others provoke us, is one of the fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22. In the King James version, the Greek word “makrothumia” is translated “long suffering.” The word’s roots are the adjective makro (long) and verb thumeo (to act with passion, anger.) It’s a word that means the opposite of “shorttempered” and is often used elsewhere in scripture to describe the kind of patience God Himself has exercised toward us.

Paul uses the same word to describe agape, the highest form of love, in I Cor. 13:4 & 5. “Love is patient (makrothumeo), love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

For Christians who care about the spiritual welfare of other people – including annoying or weak people – this godly kind of patience is essential. Why? Because we’re to mimic God, who treats us with far more patience than any one of us deserves. Out of sheer gratitude, we should treat others likewise.

Paul asks fellow believers to do exactly that, in I Thessalonians 5:14: “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient (makrothumeo) with everyone.”

When we condemn others, we overlook the patience God has shown to us.

Instead, God’s patience for us should inspire our patience toward others. It’s not easy, but He gives us the strength to do it anyway. ❚ – Janine Pumilia