A Little Patience

As it is said, a doctor makes money with a lot of patience. Oh, wait that's patients. I'm feeling pretty good about this month. I may not have finished with over 90%, but I am in good striking range. I just have to be patient, which is today's topic.
Proverbs 19:11

• Smart people are patient; they will be honored if they ignore insults. (NCV)
• Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget. (Message)
• If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it. (Good News)
• A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. (NIV)

Here are four translations of the same passage. I could simply sit on this one verse on patience, because it has so much wisdom here. Wise people overlook an offense, they ignore it. Patience also leads to forgiveness, which isn't listed as a fruit, but without forgiveness, can you really fruitful? No. Wisdom is controlling your temper and controlling your tongue. That is how I see patience. But enough of what I think, what does the dictionary and the Bible say?

Patience (noun):

• The quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.
• An ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay.
• Quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence.

Patient (adj.):

• Bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance with calmness.
• Marked by or exhibiting calm endurance of pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance.
• Tolerant; understanding.
• Persevering; constant.
• Capable of calmly awaiting an outcome or result; not hasty or impulsive.
• Capable of bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance.

So what is the fruit of being patient?

1st Timothy 1:15-17

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Salvation is fruit from patience. Without God's patience, there would be absolutely no hope for anyone! (see also 2nd Peter 3) What else?

James 5:7-11

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Patience brings about perseverance. Without patience, I cannot persevere.

Romans 12:9-21

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

I honestly didn't know patience was tied into so much stuff. I guess if I ever sat down and thought about it, I would've come up with some of this. I like a good QT. Johnny Out.

I changed the color since "patience" was really light in color on the original.
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