Serving Others By Being Patient
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” — Colossians 3:12-13
For many, patience is something they tend to classify as “waiting.” While that’s certainly part of the definition, so is the idea of perseverance. When we’re bearing with one another as Paul challenged us to do in the above verse, we’re not simply waiting for them to become better versions of themselves. We’re enduring their hardship alongside them. We’re caring, we’re listing, and we’re serving however we can. In a world that insists on doing everything quickly, patience is an amazing gift to give to another person. God put patience on the list of spiritual fruit, indicating that this trait is possible for every believer. Whatever gifts you possess, patience is an attribute you can put on. Practice it for the glory of God and as a way to serve others.
