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1 Timothy 6:11 (part 5: patience)
In 1 Timothy 6:11 the fifth thing that the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to pursue is patience. The Bible teaches us in James 1:2–4 (NKJV), “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
This is a command to pursue patience.
I suppose that we all could use more patience; I know that I could. There are times when we are quick to speak and slow to listen; the Bible teaches us in James 1:19, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Being patient to listen to others and hear what they have to say is an important part of a relationship. I know that in my own marriage I could do a much better job of listening to my wife, and I am learning that sometimes she just simply wants me to listen to what she has to say. I want to fix whatever is wrong, and I want to fix it right now. This is not always the best route to making things better. Sometimes I just need to listen.
Sometimes God simply wants us to stop and listen to Him; to hear what He is trying to tell us, but in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we sometimes want to hurry God’s advice along for our lives as we do everything else. We need to realize and understand that God is not everyone or everything else; His is God; He is our Savior and our spiritual Leader and guide to our every problem, issue, and trial. God is also our best supporter and encourager; He is our source of energy when we have none. But we must be patient and allow God to work in our lives in His timing. We must strive to follow in the teaching of James 1:4, “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” How do we do this? We open our heart to Jesus; it is His perfection that makes us whole when we proclaim Him our Lord and Savior.
Dear LORD,
O LORD, we cry out to You for patience, that we would slow down for a moment and listen to You – to what You have to say to us each day. In Jesus name I pray, amen.