The Many Faces of Patience

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Patience = the capacity for acceptance; to tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering WITHOUT getting angry, upset, offended, or taking it personally ; to be still and wait for the right time; it involves self control; it requires active determination

  • Love: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 (it includes the unlovable; even in our own families)
  • Respect: “The fear (respect) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 (Respect for the Lord spills over into respect for ourselves, others, animals, the earth; Understanding the depth of life follows)
  • Confidence: “For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” Proverbs 3:26 (patience in waiting is believing there is something better coming in His timing)
  • Faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:11 (faith shores up love, respect, and confidence)