The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8
I think many people believe they are patient because they can wait contently in the supermarket line or not be anxious about getting graded papers back. It is true that this is patience, but I think there is so much more to having a spirit of patience than just being able to hold back anxiety in our own lives. The deep patience rooted in the faithfulness of God I'm referring to is shown in love.
What does loving others with patience look like? According to Ecclesiastes, a patient spirit is better than a haughty spirit. A spirit with pride expects to spread truth to others and have them immediately edified. This is pride because we think we are the ones responsible for changing peoples' hearts when really that is God's job. A patient spirit listens to God's voice and is fully ready to be used even if it does not see any fruit from labor at the onset. It continues to love others not because an immediate transformation is expected, but because it is what Christ commands. God works in us through His spirit and does the same to others. We have no control over other people, especially their hearts. It is our Lord's job to work in them and for us to patiently go wherever our Father desires to use us to accomplish His perfect will.In addition to having patience in loving others, we can have a patience towards our Father. How many of us expect answers to prayer right away? Usually pastors teach that the Lord answers yes, no, or not right now. But, I think most of us assume the answer is no if it is not yes right off the bat. We forget that God has His own timing which is perfect and best for each of our needs. It is our job to pray continually and know that our God is faithful to our requests.
Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
In knowing that our God is faithful and that He has the best in store for us, we should continue in joy while we are patient. Our God is great and He knows our deepest longings. We are His children so let us continue to worship Him even during seasons of patience.
