"Better a patient man, than a warrior,
a man who controls his temper
than one who takes a city."
Proverbs 16:32, NIV
Years ago, I was eating lunch in a large downtown restaurant. The manager lined all his employees against a wall and scolded them. Their work was unacceptable to him. He lost control of his temper, and he lost my business. I never went back. It's hard to enjoy a meal around a manager who loses his temper. Our impatience with others tells people more about ourselves.
We use the word patient as a noun, to describe a person who is hospitalized. It usually takes time to get well. Most of the things in life that are worthwhile take time. We live in an instant society. We have fast-food and take-out windows. Everybody is in a hurry. If you don't believe me, hesitate at a green traffic light. The car horns will be heard quickly. Patience is no longer a coveted virtue. It's considered a waste of time.
Patience comes from the Spirit of God. Left to ourselves, we all become impatient. Letting the Holy Spirit lead us, brings the fruit of patience and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Have I ever lost patience? Sure, and I knew I was wrong. Sometimes, I've needed to apologize to someone. Yielding to God's Spirit brought the fruit of patience and self-control once again.
Oh, by the way, don't forget to be patient with yourself. God's still working on us.
God, we receive patience through the Spirit of Christ.
