1041) If you are around kids as much as I am (and many of you are around them 24/7), you know that patience is worth buying.

Why? Because if you’re patient, you can prevent anger and irritation from infiltrating your heart or, at least, slow down the process.

The longer I’ve been a teacher, the harder it is for me to be patient, which leads me to ask, what is the anatomy of patience? Am I out of luck?

The Greek word for patience in Galatians 5:22-23 is makrothumia, and it means to have staying power. What benefit is it that God is more than willing to give us patience?

If I have staying power, it means I keep doing what I know I’m supposed to do no matter what the circumstances. Does this mean I need to stay in a job I hate?

Does it mean the friend I have that has taken advantage of me needs to stay in my life? I don’t think so because healthy boundaries are also something God wants for us.

There is another facet of patience that is important to note. Makrothumia also means I have self-restraint.

When you could say the biting comment that almost leaves your mouth, but you hold it back. When you decide to think through an issue, rather than react to it; these things involve self-restraint.

Putting together, staying power with self-restraint, it’s easy to identify and value the gift of patience that God freely gives us. Accept this gift!