In the early 1980s, the church where my dad pastored gave him and Mom a microwave oven. Nothing like the present ones, though, in size or weight. As big as a large-screen television, it must have weighed fifty pounds. Although bulky and ugly, it did one thing well: warmed my food quickly. In a matter of seconds or minutes, my food was ready. For an impatient person, this was a gift from God.
Microwaves are just one item that helps me hem in my impatience. The internet also does. No more going to libraries and spending hours researching information. All the knowledge I need on any subject is at my fingertips—literally.
But if the microwave breaks down or the internet fails, what then? A growing impatience rises in my chest, and I get restless--even angry. Unfortunately, such scenarios aren’t the only things that rouse my impatience. People can try my patience as well. Evidently, I’m not the only one with the problem. Paul instructed early Christians to be patient with each other. Everyone has faults, and sometimes those faults aren’t microwaveable or searchable.
We must learn to be patient with others. Just as I must learn to be content in life’s circumstances, I must also be patient with others. Remembering I’m not perfect myself helps. It’s also beneficial to remember that God created different personalities in people. I’m Type A, so getting along with other Type A’s is easy. But not everyone is a Type A. Type Bs are probably more prevalent. Their approach to life helps balance out those of us who are Type A.
When we allow God to help us develop patience with others, we give a good example for others to follow. Our patience demonstrates love. We don’t have to agree with everyone—nor do they with us—for us to love them. Patience with others also reminds us that all believers belong to one body. We are not competing but working together for a common cause. Praying for those we tend to be impatient with is good practice. Perhaps God will change our outlook, and we’ll see them and the situation differently.
Ask God for wisdom to develop people patience. After all, he’s patient with us.
Father, as you are patient with me through my faults and failures, help me be with others.
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