To Judge or to be Patient?

BIBLICAL POINTS OF REFERENCE:

"You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand."

~James 5:8

"There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save or to destroy. Who then are you to judge your neighbor?"

~James 4:12

Many of us know how frustrating driving on any road or highway can be; sometimes people cut you off or drive to slow or don't turn fast enough or almost run into you. I myself experienced the annoyance of driving just this morning when I almost got hit by a big semi-truck. I was really angry at this truck driver, especially because I had had the right-of-way. Then I realized that I didn't know what caused that truck driver to do what he or she did--in fact, I didn't know anything about the driver at all. I also realized that I was completely judging that driver based on one wrong move. This led me to think about two important things: one, that judging and being angry at someone for something wasn't going to change the situation or make me feel any better; and two, patience is a virtue (that I clearly do not have). As daughters of God, we learn that we will receive judgment from our Creator when we are ready to go home to Heaven; God is the one, true Judge, and He always gives the right judgment. Humans don't though; humans act way too much before we stop to think about what the consequences might be. Well here's the first important note of the day: don't judge a book by its cover. We really don't have the right to judge anyone unless we ourselves are without sin. My parents raised me with the saying "patience is a virtue". It's one of those phrases that you know is so true and right, but is also the most difficult thing to live out. I live with the guilt of not being patient every day; things just annoy me easily, and my temper rises before I can stop to think about what I'm about to say or do. That's why I'm trying to adopt the mentality that God uses certain frustrating events and situations to teach us patience. Driving in traffic is a great example: there are so many other cars and people who all have the same goal of getting from one place to another. So here is the second important note of the day: the more we learn to be patient and kind toward other people, the closer we get to eternal life with God. I am right here with you ladies--judging and impatience are two of my biggest flaws, and I struggle to remove them from my life. But I want to work harder and I want you all to work harder with me! Not just for God, but for yourself and for your future life with Jesus someday. God Bless, and safe driving! Your Laughing Sister, Callahan

Check out the WISDOM quotes page for more inspiration!