'Patient as'

Today, many of the tasks that used to take hours, or even days, can now be completed at the push of a button. Everything's at our fingertips, so we can cram even more into our already-busy day. But we know the bad side-effects, right? We can get so used to getting things instantly that we sometimes become impatient if we have to wait more than 2.71 seconds

We may have messaged a friend and then felt annoyed when they didn't reply immediately. We're not alone. If smartphones had been around in Jesus' time on earth, how would he have handled it? Well, we know he was big on love (Mark 12:30-31 for a reminder), and the Bible tells us, 'Love is patient, love is kind...it does not envy, it does not boast...it is not self-seeking' (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV). When we're impatient and expect something now, we've pretty much decided that our needs and wants are more important than anyone else's, and that we have the best plan of action, above everyone else's (even God's plan).

This doesn't really fit with God's definition of love. When we choose to be followers of Jesus, with that comes the responsibility of representing him on earth, and this means responding with patience, kindness and consideration, as best we can.



So what now? When you're waiting for a document to load or a reply to a message, use that time to pray and talk to God (perhaps ask for an extra drop of patience).





— SCRIPTURE —

'Love is patient and kind.' 1 Corinthians 13:4 NLT
— SOULFOOD —

Isa 12-16, John 6:35-51, Ps 98, Pro 27:23-24