Love Counteracts Impatience

² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.-Ephesians 4:2


Probably the most popular character trait we humans pray for is patience.  "Lord, give me patience...NOW!" Sound familiar?  On the other hand, many people WON'T pray for patience because they fear God will send occasions for them to practice it!  We want patience for dealing with other people, patience for getting through a present ordeal, patience to wait to find out how a situation turns out... patience, patience, patience.


The fact is, as baptized Christians, we already have patience.  It's a gift of the Holy Spirit.  We simply need to practice it to make it stronger within us.  But how can we begin to apply it?  Like most every question we ask in prayer, we can find the answer in the Bible.  1 Corinthians 13 - the Love chapter - tells us that "love is patient."


Do you need to be more patient with a co-worker?  Love him more.  Are you going through a difficult time and need patience to see you through?  Apply love.  Anxious about how something is going to turn out?  Love where you are now.  Love counteracts impatience.  Love more and you will find that you are indeed... patient.


Father,
Help us love as you love. Amen.


Joys:  Watching Cecelia at dance class yesterday; reunion group at Cindy's pool today; Friday before a long week-end