“The Virtue of Patience”

patience and forgiveness

by Dona Hake

When I see people exhibit patience in trying and tough situations it always strikes me as such a wonderful strength. This strength may be part of your makeup yet we all have our limits in how much we can take. Only the patience that comes from above and developed within our soul is the patience that will help us forbear tough situations and people that seem to have that wonderful ability of pushing you over the edge, and flipping your switch!

Proverbs 19:11 (ERV) 

“Experience makes you more patient, and you are most patient when you ignore insults.”

I especially like this translation of Proverbs 19:11 because I think the more you go on in life and you walk through experiences you begin to understand things more deeply. In any trying situation IF you allow the Lord to teach you, you will walk away with more wisdom under your belt. Another translation brings even a different side of understanding to patience and forgiveness.

Proverbs 19:11 (MSG) 

“Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.”

Today I want to encourage you to ask Him to help you grow in patience, and then take opportunity to extend forgiveness even when you would rather not. I promise you that what you feel as you extend forgiveness will keep your soul at peace. You will be glad you did!

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