Patience
The Holy Bible describes God as the “God of patience” (Romans 15:5) and indeed patience or endurance is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Bible urges Christians to be patient with all for it is written “warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5: 14). Christians place great value on patience because it is so important in relationships between people. Rather than giving up on someone or responding to them with anger it is a Christian belief that patience bears fruit and it is an act of love. Again we see that fulfilling God’s commandment to love fulfills all of His commandments. The Bible also teaches us that those “who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak” and not to please themselves but to “please his neighbor for his good” so at to build them up (Romans 15: 1-2). Therefore Christians believe that we should endure the weaknesses of others and to have an open heart towards them, to be patient and forgiving. This doesn’t come from our own strength but rather the Holy Spirit working in us. And the The Holy Bible also tells us that “the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit” (Ecclesiastes 7:8) because the proud person will not call to mind his own weaknesses and will not endure those who are weak or faint-hearted. Neither will the proud person endure anyone who offends him. Let us all remember that Jesus Christ teaches us in Matthew 7:1-2 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
It is important to note that there are matters that need prompt action and not patience. For example, turning away from our own sins and wrongdoing should be done quickly. We shouldn’t wait to repent. Other examples that require prompt action are warning someone against wrongdoing before they hurt themselves and others; helping someone away from a harmful addiction or venue; and solving a family problem before it gets worse and leads to a lack of love.
The Bible also advises “In your patience possess your souls.” (Luke 21:19). This is true because when we give ourselves time, we will be able to solve many problems and to find full and complete solutions. Being hasty and impatient makes one disturbed, sad, and weary. Impatience leads to less than optimal results.
When Christians are faced with hardship and tribulations they remember the advice of the Bible “”Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and he shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14). It might seem that God is late in responding but it is a Christian value to wait with a strong heart. A greater Christian value is to be joyful in times of hardship and suffering because the Holy Bible teaches “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1 : 2-4).
As Christians wait on the Lord, they remember their belief as stated in the Bible “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God.” (Romans 8:28). By this we are encouraged. And where there seems to be no solution they continue to believe that “the things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27). Such beliefs give peace of heart and quietness as one waits with patience. Live then in hope and faith in the good that is about to come and not in the distress that is currently present. Pray that God may be with you and strengthen you.