Family Matters: Patience Is Virtue. It’s also a manifestation of God’s love

By Lucia Ferrara

Being patient can be difficult for some of us. I know it can be for me, because when I want or need something right away and I don’t receive it, I can get really upset. Being upset with the situation or a person can be emotionally hard to navigate. Most of us should admit we could use a little help in this. This is where I have learned to put my faith into action. I want to share with you what I have learned about developing a deeper relationship with God through having patience.

There is no guidebook on patience that I have found other than the Bible. There is no set courses to follow except God’s word. It restores me. I am reminded in Psalm 86:15, “But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” In this Psalm it says how God is a God of compassion, mercy, love, and faithfulness; I need less of me and more of Him!

I usually must stop myself in whatever mood or situation I am in, and I need to balance my understanding of whatever is happening and my reaction to it. If I practice finding resolve and patience within myself first, then all is well. We can all do this by pausing, reflecting, then acting. By doing these things first it allows you to act out of rationality not emotions. It takes lots of practice, so be patient with yourself!

We all deserve a little grace occasionally. Research suggests that waiting to respond to a situation makes us happier in the long run. For example, if you are caught in a traffic jam and there is a person who wants to move in front of you, do you let them or do you ignore them and cuss them out while they are franticly honking their horn at you?

We all have been there. Just allow them to go ahead of you and resist the urge to get upset. You may feel calmer and less stressful in these situations.

Patience is more than not getting upset while waiting for something. Patience is a virtue. It is God’s manifestation of His love, forgiveness and grace for each one of us.

There is no right or wrong way to put patience into practice. But I want to encourage you that no matter the problem or challenge you are facing, try to follow these important tips to help you through it. I promise it will work if you put in the effort!

1. Slow down.
2. Practice mindfulness.
3. Be present.
4. Show gratitude.
5. Accept what you cannot change.
6. Read God’s Word.

 All the articles in the Family Matters series are available here.

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[Lucia Ferrara is the Director of Hospitality at Precious Blood Renewal Center and the lead organizer here of Parent Cafes. Share your thoughts with Lucia or ask her questions by using the form below or sending an email to info@pbrenewalcenter.org. Read more about the Parent Café here.]

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