I recently came across this wonderful definition of Patience on sermoncentral.com:
1. "Patience is self-restraint which does not hastily retaliate against a wrong."
2. "Patience is the ability to accept delay or disappointment graciously."
3. "Patience is the powerful attribute that enables a man or woman to remain steadfast under strain - & continue pressing on."
Since Patience has three definitions, let's explore each one in a little more detail...
1. Has someone ever said something to you that made you immediately want to snap back at them, or maybe you even ended up actually snapping. I know that I've done this one more than one occasion. I often end up demonstrating the complete opposite of this in arguments where I am quick to retaliate and raise my voice; however, I have started to try to get better by actually listening and thinking before I speak in an argument. A helpful verse that epitomizes patience is Matthew 5:38-39 (NIV) “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.". Next time you find yourself in a situation where you feel like you want to retaliate, think of Jesus's words in this verse and demonstrate some patience.
2. and 3. I remember the first time I ever tried out for cheerleading. I had worked hard, but I had spent more time silently criticizing my fellow candidates than I did absorbing constructive criticism from my peers and my coaches. When tryouts rolled around and results were up, I saw that I did not make the team and I was devastated. I bawled my eyes out for at least an hour after the impact of the results hit me. Little did I know that God was teaching me a much-needed lesson in humility. God likes to be ironic with me. I know this because every girl whom I silently critiqued had made the team. I realized that I had to start listening to my coaches and working harder. I did exactly that, and I am now proud to say that I have made the squad every year since then. I owe it all to God because through this, He taught me humility and the second and third definitions of patience. If you ever find yourself doubting the benefits of God's will, remember what is said in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'".
Kindness
"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil." Luke 6:35 (ESV). ''Love your neighbor as yourself.'' Matthew 22:39B (NIV). These verses pretty much sum up kindness. Kindness is the expression of benevolence and love. While it seems easy to love everyone, it is a task that is much easier said than done. It may be easy to love your best friend, but what about the "weird" kid sitting by themselves at the end of the lunch table? Do you show them as much love as your best friend? I'm not saying that you have to go over there and try to become their new best bud, but just try to show them the same amount of kindness as you show your loved ones. And what about that person who bullied you as a kid? The one who'd make fun of you and challenge you to fight? The person that you sometimes define as your sworn enemy? It may be hard, you may be holding some grudges and harboring some painful memories, but I urge you to forgive them and show them kindness just like you would show to your best friend.
Goodness
Goodness has many great definitions (many of which were included in this week's Wednespiration), but my favorite one comes from dictionary.com: the best part of anything. To me, presenting goodness in this definition indicates that we should strive to be the best we can be in moral attitude and faith. According to Genesis 1:27 "So God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself. He created them male and female." (ERV). The better known translation of this verse says that we are created in His image, but I chose this translation because it tells us that we were created to be like God. Granted, we will never be an exact copy of God, but that shouldn't stop us from trying to mirror His teachings and ways to the best of our abilities. If we genuinely strive to pursue the exact purpose that we were created for, to be like God, then we will be more likely to exhibit goodness. Going back to the definition of goodness, we should strive to be the best, but not for personal gain. We should strive to be the best in order to bring glory to God since we were made to be like Him and bring glory to Him.
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