Why We Need to Practice Patience

Daily Devotional: Friday, November 22, 2024
Therefore, be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
James 5:7 (NKJV)

The short rain fell a few weeks ago, and the seeds have sprouted. However, I know I have to practice patience because there is yet a lot of weeding, nurturing, and several downpours before I can enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Wait Patiently

My mind wanders today’s key text, where Elder James uses the imagery of a farmer waiting patiently for the harvest to ripen to illustrate the attitude believers need to adopt as they anticipate Christ’s second coming.

Some of the people James writes to have endured a lot of suffering, and some have started to lose hope of Christ’s return. However, just as the harvest must appear after the plant has received the blessings of rain and sunshine, Jesus’s return is certain.

Why We Need to Practice Patience

Interestingly, even if the farmer becomes impatient and grumbles (see verse 6), the day of harvest will still come. It is, therefore, to the farmer’s advantage and peace of mind that he trusts God and perseveres the months of waiting.

Today, like our first-century counterparts, we need to exercise patience as we wait for our Lord to return. Perseverance entails living righteously and treating fellow believers and non-believers with love and kindness. Indeed, the day of the harvest is almost here. Christ is at the door. Are we ready for Him?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, give me patience and instill in me your character that I may receive you with gladness when You return soon.