We live in a face paced world. Getting from zero to sixty in sixty seconds is almost a requirement if you don’t want to be left behind. The ability to navigate around the traffic is a top skill for success. The last thing you need is something that slows you down or (heaven forbid) forces you to stop. In that kind of world – patience becomes an elusive virtue. What did Jesus teach us about the power of patience?
Patience in the Bible
The Bible addresses patience … a lot. That’s because being in a hurry all the time drains your energy. Getting frazzled by things outside of your control stresses you out. Spiritual connection requires slowing down and taking time away from important things to do the most important thing.
Patience is the companion of wisdom.” — St. Augustine
The writer of Proverbs said, “A person’s wisdom yields patience” (Prov. 9:11). Peter reminded us that it was only because God was patient with us that we have salvation (2 Peter 3:9, 15). And, Paul famously listed patience as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
Five Ways to Be More Patient
Here are five ways Jesus taught us to build up our patience muscles.
1. Keep Things in Perspective
Jesus said, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matt. 6:27). In other words – let go of the little stuff and let God take care of it.
Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.” — Moliere
That thing that is frustrating you because it seems so important that you have to have it now? It’s not that important – I promise.
That situation that seems like the end of the world right now? It’s not – I promise. So, take a step back, breathe, make a list of the great things in your life, and keep things in perspective.
2. Understand The Why
The disciples pointed at a blind man and asked Jesus, “Who sinned that this man was born blind?” Jesus looked at them like they were crazy and said, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3).
The disciples had made some ugly assumptions. They were judging the book by its cover. They were drawing hard conclusions without asking the right questions.
When people frustrate you – when they lash out at you or talk bad about you or seem to work against you – take time to understand the why. Often, bad behavior has nothing to do with you.
By the way, this is an extremely important practice in parenting. Most kids don’t act up because they are out of control or defiant, they act up for a specific reason. It’s our job as parents to patiently figure out the why.
3. Take A Time-Out
Jesus was feeling intense pressure from the crowds to become a person who solved all of their earthly struggles. Jesus knew that he couldn’t do that. It weighed heavy on him. The Scripture says that “Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself” (John 6:15).
Jesus had to get away from the pressure. Jesus was great at creating margin in his life.
If you find yourself so exasperated you can’t think clearly, you may need to put yourself on a time-out. We do it with our kids when they are struggling with patience – why not ourselves.
Get away and spend some time in self-care. When planning your schedule, build in regular blocks of “nothing.” Take time to take care of yourself.
If you take a look at my calendar, every once in a while, you’ll see a half hour block labeled BOTTAMS. This stands for “Blow Off Time To Alleviate My Stress.” I get in my car and drive with the radio blasting at an ear-splitting level, or I hit some golf balls at the driving range, or whatever. It doesn’t matter – Just mind-numbing activity to get away. It will boost your patience.
4. Enjoy the journey.
Jesus was sitting on a hillside with his disciples one sunny day when he told them – “Look at the flowers – they don’t worry about what to wear, do they? So, why do you worry about it?” (Matt. 6:28, my paraphrase).
Jesus was teaching them a lesson about worrying – but, he was also modeling something important – taking time to stop and contemplate God’s beautiful creation.
Sometimes it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.” — Drake
Focusing on the end result can quickly become exhausting. Chasing a bold, audacious goal that’s going to require a lot of time and work? There’s nothing wrong with that. But, take time to enjoy the ride.
Remember that the ride is just as much a part of life as the destination.
5. Practice patience every day.
Jesus was constantly being interrupted. The crowds were following him everywhere. Everyone wanted a piece of Jesus. It is amazing how often Jesus would stop in the middle of something to help another person. He never seemed rattled or frustrated with an interruption to his schedule. Jesus practiced patience every day.
Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” — Aristotle
Like all the virtues, patience grows stronger with practice. Ask God to help you. Build practice into your daily routine and habits. Here are some simple suggestions to help you practice patience every day.
- The next time you go to the grocery store, get in the longest line.
- Instead of going through the drive-thru at your bank, go inside.
- Take a long walk through a park or hiking trail.
- When waiting in a long line and you finally get to the person behind the counter, smile and tell them that they are doing a great job.
- The next time you are in a “waiting room” instead of playing on your phone, close your eyes and meditate on God and life.
Remember – life is a journey of learning. You are always learning, always growing, always improving. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Breathe. Relax. Patience will come!
