Patience (the lack of it and need for it) and anger… two closely related human emotions! Here’s what Proverbs 16:32 has to say about them…
“Better a patient man than a warrior and a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.”
Don’t know about you, but I struggle with the patience thing! … Traffic (and “dumb” drivers; what I perceive as “stupidity”; long, slow moving lines (and people who try to cut in); persistent actions by others that aggravate me; stupid politicians; and even a spouse sometimes… I start “building up a head of steam” and then watch out! Know what I mean? Sometimes it “blows” – other times I internalize it (both bad choices!) “Getting a bridle” on that wild horse (perhaps we could better say, on those wild horses) is a challenge!
But we have help! The Christian has access to “the Helper” – the Holy Spirit! He will “nudge” us when impatience begins to build up into destructive anger. He will enable us to release it, forgive, and express authentic love instead. Here is what the Bible says… “The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy PEACE, PATIENCE, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, SELF-CONTROL… and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit!” (Galatians 5:22-25)
My plan? I’m going to try to be more sensitive and responsive to the work of the Holy Spirit within my life… I’m going to try to be more alert to His “nudge” and depend on Him to enable me to respond appropriately when the pressure begins to build, and impatience leads to anger. I’ve been a Christian for a while but I’m still learning to cooperate with what the Holy Spirit wants to produce in my life to make me more “Christ-like.” You too, eh?
