Our study this week is the gift of PATIENCE. Often times, in this hectic world, it’s hard to have patience with others. But it’s God’s desire to help us have this trait. We are to be patient with others, as Christ is with us. I hope these scriptures will teach us more about the Lord’s patience with us and our patience with others. “The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and His love never fails” (Psalm 103:8 CEV). Patience with others is love, patience with self is hope, and patience with God is faith. We should desire all three traits. We will greatly be blessed.

“Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads to repentance?” (Romans 2:4 NASB).

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14 NLT). This can be a blessing if we obey the scripture for our blessings come from a loving God in His time. If we turn loose our hold on things, God will take hold and work things out for our good.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, and they carry out their wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7 NIV). As a Christian, it’s very hard to understand why we must go through hardships when others who don’t live for Christ seem to make it wonderfully. God tells us to not fret or worry. Their good times and things are only here for a short time. Ours will last for eternity!

“Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience” (Titus 2:2 NLT). “Teach us, O Lord, the disciplines of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work”- Pater Marshall.  It’s hard to wait upon the Lord, especially when we seemingly have done everything we can. But, as I’ve said before, if we truly trust the Lord, He will work out things for our good.

“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying” (Romans 12:12 NLT). Prayer is the key to patience.

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4 NKIV). God had the Bible penned that we may learn everything we’ll ever need to live a victorious life. Patience is one of the many lessons we must be taught. Patience will bring forth faith, and faith reaches the heart of God. “Patience is a grace as difficult as is it is necessary, and as hard to come by as it is precious when it is gained”- Charles H. Spurgeon.

“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant” (I Corinthians 13:4 NASB). Love and patience go together, and will bless us when we have it like the scriptures tells us. We need to seek more of both gifts and allow our lives to be blessed.

Until next time, remember patience is a virtue to strive for!

From My Heart with Love, Rita.