Learning patience is a life-long pursuit. It doesn’t come easily to any of us. When someone troubles us, the natural response is retaliation. It’s practically a reflex. If someone makes a sarcastic remark, we want to respond in kind. If someone inconveniences us, we want to let them know. If someone takes a long time getting to the point, we look at our watch.
But, the mark of a Christian is a life that shows Christlike behavior. As we yield to God’s Spirit working in our lives, He causes us to become more like Christ. Jesus encountered opposition constantly. People who opposed Him tried to trap Him in His words, tried to discredit Him, plotted to kill Him, and eventually had Him crucified. Jesus never defended Himself against His detractors. He spoke truth, but always in love and grace. His goal in dealing with people was not to put them down, but to raise them up. Even on the cross, in the midst of horrific pain and suffering, He prayed for those who put Him there. “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34).
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5). We don’t face the same persecution Jesus faced, but we may be criticized by our culture or even by our families for our faith. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for them. It takes patience to pray for someone who hurts us. It takes patience and love to see beyond the hurt someone inflicts on us. Patience is needed to discover and understand the hurt in their own lives that causes them to lash out. Some who seem to be enemies are under the influence of dark forces. Satan comes to kill and destroy. It takes patience to persevere in prayer to ask God to keep them from, or remove them from Satan’s influence.
If God is our Father, we are part of His family. His desire for each of us is for us to grow in our family resemblance. The trials we encounter on a daily basis are probably not severe persecutions, but any trials teach us patience and endurance (James 1). The niggling disagreements, irritations, and delays may be designed, or allowed, by Him to help us learn patience.
God is extremely patient with us. He helps us as we are learning patience. He reveals our lack of patience, and shows us how that lack of patience is a flaw in our own character. For instance, every morning my husband unloads the dishwasher. He has for years. I used to get annoyed because he is inconsistent about where he puts things away. How short-sighted of me! When I came to my senses, I realized how grateful I am that he has taken it upon himself to handle this chore. I am working on expressions of gratitude instead of impatience. It really doesn’t matter that I have to look in three cupboards or drawers to find something.
In a much broader way, if we focus on being thankful for all the good things God pours into our lives moment by moment, and day by day, week after week, we will be less frustrated over the unwelcome things. We can learn patience. It pleases God when we do, and it helps our other relationships as well.
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5
How have you been learning patience? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
© 2025 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by Anita S. from Pixabay
Thanks for your insights, Phyllis. I am grateful God loves me and patiently changes me.
He is patient–and gentle. I’m grateful for that. Thanks, Joni.