09-16-2008, 07:48 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toronto
Posts: 10,904
Rep Power: 12
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How Patient Are You ?
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Hmm.... that is a loaded question that I ask myself and in James 5:7-12 it says .
Patience in Suffering
7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 12Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.
The definition of " Patient "
Patient is not so much the brave indurance of affictions..... as the self - restraint which enables the sufferer to refrain from nasty retaliation.
The opposites of patience is in this sense are " wrath and revenge-"---- His slowness to punish us as we deserve .. His generosity in giving time for us to repent, and His eagerness to make allowances .
God's patience is the reason why the Lord's coming is delayed , for that will be the Day of Judgement. Since God is postponing that day out of patience , we too should be patient in awaiting justice. The alternatives---"vindictiveness and despair" ---- must both be rejected.
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