Small Groups
My son says he is tired of being six-years-old.
He wants to be older so he can watch different TV shows and movies. He wants to be older so he can play different games and go different places. He’s tired of waiting to be older. He just wants to be older already.
Unfortunately, I’m not much different than my son. I don’t like to wait either. I like what I want, when I want it. I don’t like it when I’m in a hurry and God is not. And when I’m in a hurry, it’s hard to be patient.
Patience: the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like; an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay.
To be patient is to bear the situation—to wait things out—without complaint or irritation… not always the easiest thing to do. We don’t like to wait because it makes us feel powerless, especially when it comes to dealing with others because we have the least control over what others do and when and if they ever change.
This week Sherwood reminded us how important patience is when it comes to loving others and shared five secrets of a patient person:
- Revise your priorities (Always be humble and gentle…) —Ephesians 4:2
- Resist the temptation of anger —Philippians 4:8
- Respond only after listening —Proverbs 17:28
- Remember your commitment to Christ —2 Corinthians 5:20
- Realize the power of patience —Proverbs 25:15
These five points are a reminder that we aren’t without power when it comes to patience. It’s up to each of us how we wait while God is moving behind the scenes. Transformation can take place when you’re waiting—transformation in your life and the lives of others if while you wait, you love and you serve others.
Remember: “Love endures long and is patient and kind…” —1 Corinthians 13:4 (AMP)
How do you wait? Patiently, without complaint or irritation? If not, how can you apply these five points so you do better?
