When someone is patient it benefits them as well as those around them. Have you seen the benefit of being patient in your life or in the life of others?
Patience can eliminate evil actions
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for you and for all. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
Patience allows us to turn the other cheek and not get drawn into carnality because of someone else’s evil behavior.
According to above passage, some people will be unruly, discouraged or weak. Every one of them needs encouragement and exhortation to help them move forward in God’s purpose. When we stop taking people’s issues personally, we are in a better position to patiently reach them.
Sometimes we are the ones who are unruly, discouraged, or weak. We would want others to be patient with us and not give up on us. Every person and situation has a potential for good if we are directed by the Lord and not be impatient or frustrated with each other.
When we are patient, it helps us not to react to other people’s bad behavior. We desire to pursue what is good and beneficial for everyone involved including those who mistreat us. This reveals Christ-likeness in us and glorifies the Father!
For two years, I had not been treated nicely by a coworker, and sometimes it was downright rude. It was hard to be a nice Christian. I didn’t do a good job. I also had to forgive the person often. But by God’s mercy, the Lord opened the door yesterday and today to have some meaningful and kind conversations. All glory to Him!
Patience leads to fruitfulness
But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:15
Just as a farmer has to go through different seasons before he receives the fruit of his labor, patience is also required for our process with God. Fruitfulness can take a long time, so we can’t be quick to judge ourselves. As long as we have a receptive heart towards God and are obedient, we will bear fruit.
Patience with God’s process is a necessity. This applies also when we look at other people’s fruitfulness. Just because we don’t see fruit in someone’s life, it doesn’t mean they are doing something wrong.
Many of us are in need of seeing progress and improvement in various areas of our lives such as finances, marriages, attitudes, and relationships. Every area requires patience. We can’t give up. We have to keep working on it steadily until we see fruitfulness in all areas of our lives.
Thank you Lord for the fruit of patience. We need it desperately it in our lives!