You know what I’m thankful for today? That God is patient. He is abundantly patient with me! Any other slow learners out there? His patience is a game-changer because it gives me opportunities to change and grow. Romans 2:4 refers to this by explaining “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” I’m also thankful that his patience gives others a chance to respond to the Gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” There are people I pray for often to awaken to the Good News. Will this be the day of their salvation? I pray they respond before it’s too late.
Someone commented on how patient they thought I was. On the outside it can appear that way. Being quiet by nature and calm in chaos can hide what’s going on below the surface. Plus they haven’t been around when I raised my voice at my kids repeatedly when I’ve lost my patience with them. Delayed bedtime routines and driving lessons would tell a different story. Bringing my daughter to tears in the driver’s seat was not my best dad moment.
On top of this, there is the fact that I’m stubborn. Stubbornness can be mistaken for patience as well, but they are very different in my book.
I was curious to see if others see it that way too. This began by looking at lists of virtues. Countless ones included patience as a virtue. None include stubbornness. By definition, patience is being “Able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.” On the other hand, stubbornness has some good qualities to it, yet at the same time some negative. The definition of stubborn is “Having or showing dogged determination not to change one’s attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so.”
For me, it boiled down to a matter of will. When the fruit of the Spirit is increasing in my life it shows up in a willingness to wait on the Lord and His timing. It also shows up in caring for others with genuine patience. But I see stubbornness show up when it’s more about just wanting my way or pridefully digging my heels in with an “I’ll show them” attitude.
This brings me back to what I’m thankful for today. I’m thankful that God has been (and continues to be) patient with me, long enough for me to realize this, so He can change my stubbornness into true patience. He’s not done with me yet, but “I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Amen
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