Patience in the face of provocation can be challenging. After all, we pride ourselves on not taking any flak. When we’ve been hurt, our natural desire is to go on the attack immediately and with full force. We treat conflict like a pretext for full-scale war, be it psychological or physical. In addition to this instinctive response, a “real man” in our culture is measured by his physical strength, toughness, and ability to intimidate others.

What Is True Strength?

Interestingly, however, the Scriptures offer a wholly different measure of strength and maturity. According to today’s verse, patience and self-control are the true measures of a man, at least of a man renewed in Christ. Of course, we know that there is “a time for war” (Eccles. 3:8), but this is reserved for danger to life and limb. When we treat all situations as if they’re the basis for war, we invariably destroy those we were meant to build up.

Indeed, patience goes against the grain of our old nature and the prevailing culture, but it is surely the mark of spiritual maturity. We will not become what God wants us to be without it.

Bottom Line

Identify one area of your life in which self-control and patience don’t come easy for you, and then pray for God’s help.