Think About It

Have you noticed that the people with whom we need to be the most patient are the ones who irritate us the most? When I go back and re-read the previous statement, I realize I have a firm grasp of the obvious. Most people with whom we have patience, don’t typically need it – but there are some who test our limits (and our spirituality). The other day I was reminded of the need for patience when I read Ephesians 4:2, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (NIV). Paul’s admonition got me to thinking about why we need to express patience – here are a few reflections: 1. Some people require patience because they are under stress. Often, people are difficult because they are in a tough place in their lives. They don’t purposefully intend to irritate us, they do it because they are displaying a crisis response. 2. Some people require patience because they have emotional issues. A lot of people who are able to function in much of society ma