Cultivating Unity // Patience
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
Praying for patience doesn’t usually work out the way you hope; in fact, it often puts you in moments when patience is tested. Am I right?! The moment you ask God for help to be patient you get stuck in traffic and show up late to work. Or your toddler throws a fit in the grocery store. Or a co-worker tests your nerves. This has never been more true for me now that I’m the mama to a little boy. It seems I pray for patience every day and God certainly answers in the form of situations that go ahead and test that patience. His answer to my prayer is to give me opportunities that will facilitate growth in this area.
Patience is one of those virtues that can be tested multiple times in a day. It catches us in our best mood. But how do we practice it and how does it lend itself to unity?
Patience means being slow to anger and having the wisdom to not be hasty. When this is tested--when your blood begins to boil and you want to rush into a situation--it’s always wise to take a momentary breather. To gain some perspective of the moment and act in an understanding way.
This will prove beneficial in your relationships and in your church. When you choose to be patient and understanding with another, you choose peace. You choose gentleness. You choose to handle the moment with grace. Proverbs says that with patience a ruler can be persuaded. If patience can do that who knows what power it has to foster unity!
Focus on patience as you go through your day today. Catch yourself in the moments it is tested and embrace how you can grow in that moment. As you begin to live it out, watch how it can transform your relationships!
