Patience..."The capacity to accept delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry!"
I Thessalonians 5:14 "Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone."
Patience has never been a Fruit of the Spirit that I naturally displayed!
I Thessalonians 5:14 really hit me between the eyes as it listed the very issues that set me off and then ended with BE PATIENT WITH EVERYONE! Ironically God not only gave me "OPPORTUNITIES" to practice through the years BUT has recently blessed me with an incredible role model.
Back in October my "Sister - in - Love" moved to our area to take care of me when my family is not home. She takes care of me daily from washing my hair to painting my toenails and everything in between. The way that she cares for me displays patience in a way that is more than just not getting angry with me!
Patience is more than just NOT getting huffy, looking at the time, counting how many times you have to do the same thing over again, rolling your eyes, slamming things, glaring, or saying hurtful words! Patience as I have seen and experienced is DOING! Patience in a beautiful way IS tenderness, helping when it is needed, making mundane tasks as pleasant as possible, not taking a quick offense, a great sense of humor, going at the pace that is comfortable for the other person, realistic expectations, and protecting someone from being embarrassed!
Patience is when we are truly gracious with each other! Patience is the Fruit of the Spirit that is meant to be given freely to others! Everyone is in a position to demonstrate patience to someone else. I want to demonstrate the patience that Paula has shown me to others. Pray for me as I ask God to help me be a blessing to others the way that I have been blessed! Fruity in a good way... :-)
