Patience for the Patient
Patience is on my mind this week for a specific reason I will reveal at the end of this Podcast. I’ve learned over the years that when God has you going through something, there is not only a lesson for you but perhaps a lesson for others as well.
As we enter this Christmas season, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, should we have patience with patients who may be waiting to hear the Good News? For example:
Patience for others during this Christmas season - remembering the reason for the season. Showing love one to another.
Patience for one another as family, as we enter this Christmas season and gather together. Showing love one to another.
Patience for ourselves if we are struggling with issues, either mental, emotional, or physical.
God has a lot to say about patience. In Galatians 5:22-23, we see that patience made the list of the fruit of the Spirit that we read so much about in the New Testament. What does this mean? What is the fruit of the Spirit? In essence, it is the quality, the character of Jesus Christ - the One we celebrate at Christmas - Savior of the world.
This makes patience a very important part of our lives.
What else does God say about patience? In Colossians 3:12, we read,
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… ESV
The word then in this verse is also therefore. In reading the previous verses, we see what we are to take off first and then put on as in a new garment, different characteristics in our lives. So we can love others well.
What else does the Bible say about patience? Probably some of the most patient people in the world are farmers. I grew up with gardens on our property. As a family, we were all involved in the farming process, from preparing the soil to letting it sit, planting the seeds, watching them grow, watering, controlling the weeds, and finally picking the fruit and vegetables. The best part was, of course, eating the fruit of our labors. This reminds me of James 5:7-8
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. ESV
This past week, I have been a patient, having had surgery on my hip, and I needed these verses on patience. Being a ‘get her done’ kind of girl, I have been reminded of the significance of patience in the waiting and allowing God to teach and heal during the downtime.
I pray for you this holiday season to allow patience to have its perfect work in you - James 1:4, But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
So until next time, remember the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart. Allow God to speak to you in the hard times because He is forming you into more of the image of His Dear Son, Jesus.
Merry Christmas,
Dr. Michele
