"Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of
your love." Ephesians 4:2 NLT
I remember it as if it was yesterday.
More than 30 years ago, the church where my dad was preaching gave him and Mom a
gift: a microwave oven. Nothing like the present ones though-in size or weight.
As big as a large screen television set, it must have weighed 50 pounds. Though
it was bulky and ugly, it did one thing well-warmed my food in a hurry. In a
matter of seconds or minutes, my food was ready. For an impatient person, this
was a gift from God.
Microwaves are just one item that helps me hem in my impatience. The internet
does also. No more going to libraries and spending hours researching
information. All the knowledge I need on any subject is at my
fingertips-literally.
But if the microwave breaks down…or the internet fails, what then? A growing
impatience rises in my chest, and I get restless…even angry. Unfortunately, such
scenarios aren't the only things that rouse my impatience. People can try my
patience as well. Evidently, I'm not the only one with the problem. Paul
instructed early Christians to be patient with each other. Everyone has faults,
and sometimes those faults aren't microwavable or searchable.
Patience with others is learned. Just as I must learn to be content in all of
life's circumstances, I must also learn to be patient with others. Remembering
I'm not perfect myself helps. It's also beneficial to remember God created
different personalities in people. I'm Type A, so getting along with other Type
A's is easy. But not everyone is a Type A. Type B's are probably more prevalent.
Their approach to life helps balance out those of us who are Type A.
When I allow God to help me develop patience with others, I give a good example
for others to follow. My patience demonstrates love. I don't have to agree with
everyone-nor do they with me-for me to love them. Patience with others also
reminds me that believers belong to one body. We are not competing but working
together for a common cause. Praying for those who I tend to be impatient with
is a good practice. Perhaps God will change my outlook, and I'll see them and
the situation in a different light.
Ask God for wisdom in developing patience with others. After all, He's patient
with us.
Martin Wiles Hodges, South Carolina, USA
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