Patience: It's Own Reward
I have been thinking about this word for the last several days. I have generally found myself to be an inpatient person. In the past I would rush to conclusions and to decisions. Over the past several years, I have been seeking/praying to become more patient, and in doing so – I have found that it multiples, and itself (patience) is a reward.
Every instance where I have been patient, has been a positive experience. In contrast, there are countless times when my lack of patience has turned out badly. I would run out of fingers and toes trying to count them all.
Patience is commonly defined as ‘bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint; not being hasty or impetuous; being steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity; and being able or willing to bear.’ It is important to note that there is a difference between patience and procrastination.
Procrastination is to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done. Proverbs 20:4 warns us about delaying what should be done. “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.“
While God warns us against procrastination, the Bible is full of instructions around patience and its reward.
INSTRUCTION:
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” Colossians 3:12
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.” Romans 12:12
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” Psalms 37:7
“Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2
REWARD/PROMISE:
“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:3
“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.“ Galatians 6:9
“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” Psalms 40:1
It is interesting how many Christian principles find they way into everyday conversations. How many times have we heard the following sayings?
“Patience is a virtue”
“Good things come to those who wait
“To lose patience is to lose the battle.” – Mahatma Gandhi
“The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.” – Moliere