Take the example of road rage. The driver in front of your vehicle has hit the brakes and you have to follow suit. What is your initial reaction to this inconvenience? I could bet you that the majority of people, would have words come to mind like, idiot, stupid, moron, half wit, jerk etc. etc. etc. No seeking to understand, no compassion, and no love for the perpetrator. Just harsh judgemental words and thoughts. Sadly these sort of reactions are often first nature to us/me. What we say and how we (re)act is the overflow of whats in the heart.
I think that patience and compassion go hand in hand, and that the root of both of these is love. To be patient is to look beyond the inconvenience that the persons seems to be in the moment, and just love them for who they are. One dearly love by God. Something so easily said, at times can feel like nothing less than a chore. Patience does not just happen, its the labour of love. And love always perseveres.
Love is patient
Jason
Great words Jason! This is something I have been thinking about a lot lately. I pray that I/we can be more like Jesus in those frustrating times!
ReplyDeleteI have found that whenever I force myself to be patient with people, I grow in my sympathy and compassion for them and I really, really enjoy them more.
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