Did you know God will help make you more patient and cheerful? Romans 15:5 states that the God of patience and consolation grants us unity with each other. The word patience is intriguing because in the original language it implies to be placed underneath or below, as in an inferior position or condition. This sounds like a good description for the checkout line. More importantly, this might be a description of Christ who came to serve as a living sacrifice.
It also says being patient with someone means to not just endure it, but endure cheerfully. And you thought being patient should be good enough. But then again, the character of Christ is perfect. It’s no coincidence that Love is also referred to in scripture as patient. First Cor 13:4 says Love is patient and kind, it doesn’t envy or boast, and is not proud. Well if love’s not proud, it must be humble then, right?
It’s sounding more and more like a servant to me. So the next time you’re in a situation requiring patience, try to remember it’s rich definition runs deep to the heart of who God is and what He’s all about. After all, Jesus continues to wait patiently for you to call on Him each day as you struggle along your way. And if you spend a little time with Him today, maybe some of His long suffering will rub off on you and the struggle might just feel like it’s going away.
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