I’m sure you all know what the “P” word is. You know that one thing you never want to ask God for because you are afraid of the trial to come in learning it. The one thing that wears short when you have toddlers or teens. Patience.
In the Greek, the word for patience is Makrothumis which means – forbearance, fortitude, and long-suffering. Ephesians 4:1-3, we are charged to “walk in a manner that is worthy” of our calling. Part of that manner is being patient, not just with those that we are good friends with, but with each other.
Like in the picture, love is what feeds patience. Let’s take a look at Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV, so that we can understand what Paul is saying.
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.
Jesus is our example in humility, gentleness,and patience. It has been over 2000 years since He was here and He is patiently waiting that everyone will come to Him. If that, is not love then I don’t know what is.
It is that love we are to extend to each other in the form of patience. It is that love that will help us keep the bond of unity as Christians no matter what we believe. It is that love which gives us the patience to extend to each other even when we disagree.
You may not want to ask God for patience, then ask Him for His love, which in turn will produce patience.
Bonnie Sue Writes 