Is impatience actually a sin, and what is the secret to learning patience?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Patience is something that I struggle with, particularly when others slander and provoke. It keeps me on edge constantly. I’ve been watching my own reaction to when I’m impatient and it sparks other acts that I know are wrong. Is impatience actually a sin, and what is the secret to learning patience? – P.V.
A: This is a high-strung, neurotic, impatient age. We hurry when there is no reason to hurry, just to be hurrying. This fast-paced age energizes hyper personalities and creates jangled nerves that affect relationships.
Impatience has produced a new crop of broken homes and a million or more new ulcers and set the stage for culture wars. In no area of our lives has it been more damaging than on the domestic scene.
The Bible says, “Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be … complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4, NKJV).
Patience is an attribute of God. How often do we pray that He will help us be more patient as we strive to be more like Christ? For those who follow Him, our lives are to be characterized by patience, for it’s important in developing the mature, stable character that God wants to produce in His people.
Patience is the transcendent radiance of a loving and tender heart which, in its dealings with those around, looks graciously upon them. The Bible tells us that patience produces a huge harvest (see Luke 8:15).
Patience speaks of a person’s steadfastness under difficulties, enduring ill-treatment without anger or thought of retaliation or revenge. Learning patience builds our trust in God’s power to help us overcome such actions that weaken our testimony of His strength in our lives.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2024 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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