Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Patience has a profound voice to preach the Gospel. Patience preaches through silent suffering without words. Children of God are not exceptions to afflictions. We go through the same disappointments, disease and demotions. However, the way we respond to pain and persecution in comparison to how the people of the world react should be very different. We must respond with patience and love. Our patience puzzles the demonic gangsters and our patient endurance of suffering defeats the diabolical plans.
Jesus, the Son of God, did not threaten or curse when He endured the cross. “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). His patient suffering to save humanity was the silent preaching of the Gospel from the cross. Jesus did not preach repentance from the cross however we witness the conversion of the centurion at the death of Jesus. “When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!'” (Matthew 27:54). Patience proclaims and propels the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Patience has a profound voice:
1. Preach: Our response in patience to a snappy supermarket checkout operator, a grumpy bus driver or an impatient colleague preaches the Gospel silently, yet profoundly. They will see Christ in us through our patience.
2. Power: Patience is a powerful influence. Our long lectures will not convert the wayward spouse or rebellious children, yet patience and love will touch and transform their hearts.
3. Precious: Patience pleases the heart of God and makes us precious in His sight. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name (Revelation 3:8). Patience makes us precious to the Lord and opens divine doors of favour, fortune and fruitfulness.
Patience has a voice. Don’t retaliate, threaten or curse. Patience makes us precious to God.
Prayer: Jesus my Saviour, Help me to exhibit your patience. Let my patience transform lives and let patience mature as sweet and succulent fruit in me. Amen.
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