Patience

Saint Paul repeatedly commanded his followers to exercise patience amongst themselves. True Christian character is seen in authentic patience. In the New Testament, Saint Paul instructed the Ephesians to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph.4:1-3)

Patience is both a command and a gift from God. It is one of the fruits of the Holy Ghost. We demonstrate patience by our absolute trust in God and His ability to brings all things to completion. We live in patience by cooperating with the grace of God. As a genuine virtue, patience is only found in those who have been redeemed in Christ and have an understanding of themselves as sinners. We must be aware of our own weaknesses and faults. This is how we are humbly able to deal patiently with the faults of others.

Furthermore, we must patiently understand that God may very well be at work within those who may be our opponents. Saint Paul instructed young Timothy to be kind to everyone and to be patient in correcting opponents because "God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will." (2 Tim. 2:24-26). We must realize that God may be at work within those with whom we experience disagreement or conflict.

When we meditate upon the Sorrowful Carrying of the Cross, we acknowledge the long-suffering patience of Christ. Today let us pray for the heroic patience of a saint in all things. Let us pray for the patience of Christ Himself.

Sincerley in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching