Patience is power. According to Luke 21:19, we possess our soul with our patience. Yes, it is true that we grow in patience by the testing of our faith (James 1:3), but strong faith is needed to win our battles with impatience!

Sometimes, we learn the positive of something by learning the negative of it. In other words, if impatience is the tendency to be irritable, restless, or easily annoyed or angered, then patience is more calmly and not easily annoyed or angered.

Luke 21:19 states: “By your patience possess your souls.” 

This alone teaches if we have patience, we are more likely to control our emotions and our thinking, which in turn controls our words and behavior. It’s that simple. The more in control we are of our emotions – with patience – the less likely we will give in to temptation to sin with our words or behavior. More control equals less sin which equals less times needed to repent, which equals more time to praise and worship our Lord.

Now, impatience may stem from the fact that something needs to change, but impatience is not usually the way to make positive changes. Impatience receives negative responses from others so it is best to remain calm and patient. Everyone wants patience from others but are not always so quick to offer it to others.

Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

Patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit. If we want others to be patient with us, then patience is required of us. Have a very patient life.