Topic: It Pays to Be Patient
God rewards patience. James 5:11 says, “We count as blessed those who have persevered” (NIV). In other words, it pays to be patient.
When you are patient, it builds your character, you avoid mistakes, and you’re going to reach your goals. When you’re patient, you’re going to be honored by others and have happier relationships. There are all kinds of blessings and benefits.
Have you noticed—especially during this time of the coronavirus—that it’s hard to be patient when you’re tired? We’re all feeling weary from the drawn-out uncertainty and craziness of the pandemic.
“Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up” (Galatians 6:9 TLB).
There are blessings to be had through this season of waiting during the pandemic—in your character, your circumstances, your family, and God’s church. And they’re not just rewards to enjoy right now. The Bible says there are going to be rewards in heaven, too.
Jesus says in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (NIV). When someone hurts you, one of your strongest desires may be to retaliate. People have experienced a lot of hurt feelings lately when it comes to how we choose to respond to the pandemic. And with that comes a lot of temptation to fight back and lash out.
Even when he was accused and mistreated, Jesus chose to do what was right and not retaliate in the middle of a crisis. If you choose to let God handle it when someone hurts you, he sees it. And he will bless you.
Rick Warren Devotional 31 August 2020 (Daily Hope Devotional)
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