James 5:7-10
Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmer who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look – the Judge is standing at the door! For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. James 5:7-10 (NLT)
Patience is defined as the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. Recently in Lincoln, I have observed patience – or the lack of patience – while navigating the detours on many streets. I have seen the patient actions of people by allowing drivers to move into the correct lane, waiting at place at a green light rather than blocking the opposite driving lanes, and traveling at a safe speed that keeps workers and other drivers safe. On the other hand, I have also seen impatience by drivers as they run through red lights, quickly speed by other cars, and even hitting a few cones that guide us safely through the construction. Several times I have even noticed that I ended up right beside the impatient driver at the next red light. Traffic movement is just one example of the difference between patience and impatience, but it shows the human condition.
This causes me to ponder the patience of God. How He waits, waits, and waits some more for us to turn to Him and experience His true love for us. He provided prophets who spoke His name, answers our prayers, and sent His Son Jesus to earth for us in his perfect, patient timing! During this Advent season, may we practice more patience in our daily lives as we remember God’s gift to us in His Son Jesus!
Questions for Reflection:
- How can I use God’s example of patience as I interact with others?
- Who in my life can benefit from a patient attitude with them?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your heavenly patience for us and for sending your Son, Jesus, as an example of patient living. Grant that your Holy Spirit will be our daily guide as we interact with others in our lives. Amen
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