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By David Wright A hermit may be able to live for years without ever saying an unkind word to anyone. But, of course, no one is around to test his patience. The Bible knows of no hermit Christians. We are called to live in relationship with other people, which means that family members, friends, and neighbors sometimes push our buttons. A spouse may be in a grouchy mood, a neighbor's dog may tear open a bag of garbage, or a coworker may have a condescending air. Our responses to these trying situations reveal our character and level of spiritual maturity. Paul says that the “fruit of the Spirit” includes “patience” (Gal. 5:22). And when describing the attributes of love, he notes first that it is ”patient” (1 Cor. 13:4). An impatient person is easily irritated by the shortcomings of others. Displeasure shows itself in his gestures, facial expressions, exasperated sighs, and stinging words. But a patient person bites his tongue and quells the annoyance swelling in his breast. The mature Christian finds the grace to be patient by reflecting on the love of Jesus for us. In innumerable ways we provoke him. We are selfish, ungrateful, resentful, envious, conceited, thoughtless, greedy, dishonest, impure. But the Lord forgives us and treats us well anyway. |