Patience
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In
meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will
give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out
of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
2 Tim 2:24-26 (KJV)
My brethren, count it all joy when ye
fall into divers temptations; knowing this,
that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be
perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of
God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
James 1:2-5 (KJV)
Patience. It is one of the
fruits of the Spirit and a character quality that will definitely be tested in
ministry. Minister, don’t waste your energies striving but be gentle unto all
men. This is very challenging, especially in light of the fact that there are
false teachers and false doctrines that we get into being consumed with
opposing. However, the Scripture says, be gentle unto all men and in meekness
instructing those that oppose themselves.
Are you growing in patience?
In my own walk, I have seen over the years that I am more patient in several
areas than I used to be—the Lord is producing His fruit! Yet, none of the
fruits are perfect this side of Heaven, so we all still have a lot of growing
and pruning to go.
