Ephesians 4.1-3
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
A worthy life—an axios life—is characterized by Spirit-empowered virtue of patience.
This passage tells us that a key discipline associated with patience is that we “bear with one another in love.” The Greek word translated “bear with” is anecho, and it means to hold up, bear the burden of, or endure for an extended period of time. The motivation for being patient and bearing with someone and their issues is love, which is the famous Greek word agape.
As love increases, patience increases with it. But it works the other way also: As love decreases, so does patience. Unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced and self-centered society, patience is quickly disappearing. Our world is full of people who are impatient, easily irritated, slow to listen, and quick to anger.
The people of God, on the other hand, should be a model of patience. Why? Because love compels us. The message in scripture is clear: If you don’t have love, you won’t be patient.
Patience — and the focus and perseverance that come with it — are essential disciplines for the followers of Christ. The consequences of impatience are devastating. It will damage a marriage, derail a project, destroy a plan, and stunt spiritual growth.
Is there some area of your life where you are impatient? It could be toward a person you work with (or live with). It could be toward a plan or a project you are working on. It could be toward a process you are trying to implement (or change). It could be toward a particular situation you are dealing with. Whatever it might be, is there some area in your life where you are impatient and your focus is drifting, your motivation is diminishing, and your energy is declining?
If so, it is a love problem. The Spirit is calling you to operate in love and be patient and persistent. He is calling you to refocus your mind and rekindle your motivation for solving the problem or resolving the issue or reaching out to the person.
Let us walk in the Spirit, operate in love, and be patient.
