|
Perfect Patience
by Adam Bennett 1 Timothy 1:16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. I always considered myself a patient person. To correct this notion God has given me children. My patience now reminds me how much outstanding work God has to do in me. Patience is part of the character of God himself. 1 John 4:16 teaches that God is love and in 1 Corinthians 13:4 we are told that love is patient. In 1 Timothy 1:16 Paul refers to the 'perfect patience' of Jesus. I am very grateful that God is more patient with me than I am with my children! Patience is a trait where our concerted efforts to make ourselves more patient just make us frustrated ... and less patient. If we grit our teeth and focus our energy into patience what we get are sore teeth. That's why, if we are ever to become more like God in this regard it must be by his work in us. In Galatians 5:22 we are taught that, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." Patience is one of the things that God wishes to grow in our lives through his own presence in us. Just as we can love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19) we can only be patient because he first showed us patience. Then we can "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" (Ephesians 4:1-2). Copyright Adam Bennett 2009. More articles are available at http://godward-thoughts.blogspot.com/ Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |