Be Patient with One Another

"Be patient...with one another..." - Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

We are to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which [we] have been called" (Ephesians 4:1). Patience is an attribute listed in the description of this manner.

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul lists three categories of people and explains how to interact with them. "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all" (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Patience is the key in each of these situations.

Patience is something that we are to "put on" (Colossians 3:12). It is not easy to always be patient; however, we are not alone in this. We receive help from the Spirit "in our weakness" (Romans 8:25): patience is an aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Our patience reflects our love. "Love is patient" (1 Corinthians 13:4). Part of the way in which we love one another is through being patient toward one another.