Patience-Endurance With a Purpose - SITUATIONS THAT CALL FOR PATIENCE

Many everyday situations may test our patience.  For example, if you feel that you have something important to say, you may need to exercise patience in order to avoid interrupting others.  (James 1:19) You might also need to show patience when associating with fellow believers whose habits irritate you.  Instead of overreacting to such things, you are wise to consider how Jehovah and Jesus react to our weaknesses.  They do not focus a critical eye on our minor failings.  Rather, they see our good qualities and patiently observe our efforts to improve.-1 Timothy 1:16. 1 Peter 1:12. 

Another situation that may test our patience is when someone suggests that we said or did something wrong.  All too often, we may be quick to take offense and justify ourselves.  However, God's Word recommends a different response.  It states:  "Better to be patient than to be haughty in spirit.  Do not be quick to take offense, for the taking of offense lodges in the bosom of the fools."  (Ecclesiastes 7:8, 9)  Hence, even if an accusation is completely untrue, we should patiently weigh our response.  Jesus followed   that principle when others unjustly ridiculed him. -Matthew 11:19.

Parents especially need to show patience when they find it necessary to address many wrong attitudes, desires, or leanings that may develop in their children.  Consider the case of Matthias, who serves as a member of the Scandinavia Bethel family.  As a teenager, Matthias endure endless taunting at school because of his beliefs.  At first, his parents were unaware of this.  Nevertheless, they had to deal with the effect that this opposition had on their son, who began to question whether he had the truth.  "The situation required a lot  patience," recalls Matthias' father, Gillis.  Matthias would ask:  "Who is God?  What if the Bible is not God's Word?  How do we know that it is actually God who wants this or that from us?"  He would say to his father:  "Why am I to be judged if I don't feel and believe as you do?"

"Sometimes," explains Gillis, "our son's questions were expressed in anger, not against his mother or me, but against the truth, which he felt made life so difficult for him."  How did Gillis handle this situation? "My son and I would sit and talk for hours at a time. Mostly I listened and asked occasional  questions to get the full picture of his feelings and views.  Sometimes I gave him an explanation to think about for a day or so before we resumed our discussion.  At other times, I  would say that I needed a few days to think about a viewpoint he has expressed.  By means of these regular conversations, Matthias slowly progressed in his understanding and acceptance of such teachings as the ransom, God's sovereignty, and Jehovah's love.  It took time, ad it was often difficult, but slowly, love for Jehovah grew  in his heart.  My wife and I are so happy that our patient efforts to help our son through his teenage years paid off and reached his heart." 

Next time: Patience-Endurance With a Purpose - Conclusion of  SITUATIONS THAT CALL FOR PATIENCE

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