Patience is so easy with people we get along with usually. Even when this person you love or think of as your best friend might do something annoying but our patience threshold seems to be a little higher, right? It’s easier to have patience with someone we really love. But what about those who we find hard to love? What about when we are to love our enemies? That gets trickier. One of the first ways we can show our love is through our patience.
I love this quote from Amy Carmichael “If a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word, then I know nothing of Calvary love. For a cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, however suddenly jolted.” Out of the heart the mouth speaks, and an angry response comes from an impatient and unloving heart. I hate to admit that my heart is often impatient and unloving but it is. Even with people I truly love. My kids for example. I can’t think of a person on Earth I love more than my kids but the daily grind often leads to an impatient response from my mouth.
When are reactions are impatient with others we are revealing a heart that says I am selfish.
This week one of my kids really tested my patience. I should have seen that coming since I’ve been studying patience. I wish I could say that I responded to the sinful behavior with patiently every time. I did not. My response was eventually exasperated and angry. How could this kid keep doing this? Why is he doing this to me?
This exposed my selfish and impatient heart. My jar was not full of sweet water. It spilled out bitter words. When we feel in control of a situation it is often easy to just choose what to show people. However, when we are pushed, prodded, annoyed, our insides often spill out. What comes out in those moments is the true nature of our spirit.
I’m convicted by response to him. I fail constantly, yet I want, no expect, God to be patient with me. Since God is love it is not unfounded that I expect this from Him. It is His nature. In trying to raise my son in a home that is loving, and one that points to the Savior, I am always sending a conflicting message. I say I love you, but then show him impatience.
So this past week I’ve had to ask my son for forgiveness for my impatience and anger. I’ve also had to repent to the Lord. It’s just a battle.
Christ showed his love to his disciples several times through his patience. One time that stands out to me is in the garden. So often they failed him but he patiently loved them. He did not erupt in anger at them. When he was in the Garden the night he was to be betrayed, He asked the disciples to stay awake and pray with him. They fell asleep. They fell asleep over and over again. Here Jesus, who is God, has made a simple request of them to pray and they keep falling asleep. Yet he does not become annoyed. He is patient with them. He does not let their lack of love affect His ability to love. His patience is persistent.
Unlike Christ we often have a threshold of patience. The first time someone does wrong we patiently respond. But over and over again it gets harder and harder to remain patience.
Bearing the things in life that annoy us or push our buttons is what we are called to do. To love is to be patient.
It’s hard. One thing I’ve started doing is just saying “love is patient” in my mind when something goes crazy in my home. Maybe a coworker for family member is working your last nerve. Remind yourself that “love is patient” and show them the patience you want others to have toward you.
Personal Reflection
How do you show God your love by patiently waiting for Him?
How do you show your love for God by patiently waiting on others?
How do you show your family love through your patience?
Is there a Biblical Character that comes to mind that showed exceptional patience?
If my “cup” is spilt will it be sweet words that come out or angry responses?
