Perfect Patience

1 Timothy 1:16  “But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”

Dear Kids,

If there is one thing our world is lacking it is patience. No one wants to wait for anything. We quickly get frustrated when someone or something interferes with our plans to attain our goals now. And we especially get frustrated with people. Who wants to mess with someone who is taking too long to understand our point of view or who just doesn’t fit into our lifestyle? It’s much easier to write them off and move to the next person.

Thankfully, this is not the way Jesus is. He has perfect love and perfect patience for each individual on this earth. We never have to worry that the Lord will become frustrated with our slow progress in a certain area. He has our best interest at heart and will patiently continue to discipline us for the purpose of growth. When we belong to Him He promises to establish our hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ with all the saints (1 Thessalonians 3:13). He is faithful and will bring this to pass by patiently working with us through all of our weaknesses and setbacks.

The Lord is also patient with those who have not received Him as Savior. He desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Though men continue to reject God’s salvation, He patiently waits and works to give them an opportunity to come to Him. There is no one who is too old or too far gone to receive the grace and mercy that God offers. As long as a person is still living on the earth they have the opportunity to turn to the Lord for forgiveness and cleansing from sin. He is waiting and watching with perfect patience for all who would come to Him.

Paul assures us that this is true. He had personal experience with God’s patience for He considered himself the worst of sinners. This aggressive young man was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent aggressor. He searched out Christians and ripped them from their homes, beating them and throwing them into prison. Yet God demonstrated perfect patience by confronting him on the Damascus Road. He showed mercy and turned Paul’s life around. He became the greatest missionary we have ever known, and all of our lives have been touched by his influence.

When the world presses us into its mold of impatience and when we are tempted to become frustrated with others or ourselves, keep in mind this example of the Lord’s perfect patience. He did not give up on the most violent persecutor of Christians. In fact, he stopped him while conducting a terrible rampage against God’s children and turned His life around.

This perfect patience is also extended towards you. So don’t give up on yourself or others who you are praying will come to know Christ. The world may be lacking in patience, but God never runs out. His patience is perfect!

Love,

Mama