Here are two more things we need to do in order to develop patience: 1) Develop a sense of humour. The Bible says, ‘A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life’ (Proverbs 14:30 TLB). Scientific studies reveal that people who laugh, live longer. Humour is a stress dissolver. It’s an antidote to apprehension. It’s a tranquiliser without any troubling side effects. It’s a shock absorber for the potholes of life. Someone once asked President Abraham Lincoln how he handled the tensions of the American Civil War. He said, ‘If it hadn’t been for laughter, I could not have made it.’ When we can laugh at our problems, they lose some of their power over us. 2) Deepen your love. Paul wrote, ‘Love is very patient’ (1 Corinthians 13:4 TLB). That means when we’re impatient, we’re being unloving. When we love someone, we’re concerned about that person’s wishes, distresses, needs, and point of view – not just our own. When we’re filled with love, it’s much more difficult to stir us up to anger or impatience. On the other hand, when we’re filled with anger, almost anything can cause us to flare up. Under pressure, whatever is inside is going to come out. So, let’s deepen our love. ‘Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love’ (Ephesians 4:2 TLB). And one more thought: when we learn to love the people who irritate us, we actually take a weapon out of Satan’s hands that he could have used against us. Today pray, ‘Heavenly Father, make me a more patient person.’
