Living Like Christ: Patience
Series: Taste the Fruit
Proverbs 14:29/James 1:19-21
“Patience is a virtue.” We’ve all heard this statement before. Yet, many times this is just a phrase to excuse the attitude or behaviors of a person. Patience is a choice that we must pursue, yet it, as a lifestyle, is one that the Holy Spirit must produce in us. It starts with wisdom. In Proverbs, it is said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. With wisdom we can then pursue patience, living a life that endures in trust for the perfect timing of God. So rather than exalting our own selfish agendas and demanding that our own timing be met, which usually expresses itself in unrighteous anger, we need to pursue a lifestyle that endures in trust for God’s perfect timing. This fruit is especially displayed in our interactions with others.
Read Proverbs 14:29
Read James 1:19-21
Patience
1. How does a patient person exhibit “great understanding?” Give examples
2. James says unrighteous anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires. How does a quick-tempered person show he is acting a fool? Give examples. Pastor Ted stated that the opposite of patience is usually anger. This unrighteous anger is rooted in selfishness, as we think more highly of ourselves than we should. At its core, our impatience and subsequent anger is selfcentered. This needs to bring us to repentance (turning to face God as we turn our face from sin).
3. At what times are you most impatient with others (a person or people)? What is occurring in those situations?
4. Give an example of a situation (or person) where you are easily provoked to anger, where it is difficult for you to display patience.
5. Analyze why this is the case. What beliefs about God and others are revealed by your attitude and actions?
6. What practical steps can you take to allow the Holy Spirit to develop patience in you, so that you don’t simply react to circumstances or people with unrighteous anger? Be Specific
Reflection and Prayer
--Repent of self-centered reactions of impatience that have been habituated in your life
--Praise Jesus for His wonderful grace and mercy, for forgiveness, restoration and transformation! |
