Patience is a Virture

“Wah Ginger! Anda orang yang sabar!”

Hmmmmm...really? No one in America has ever exclaimed that I was a patient person. Sadly, patience is not a virtue I possess. At least not continually. I have moments of patience. Brief moments I might add.

So, I began to wonder. Why do I have patience with the people here? Is it because I have a heart for them? Is it because it is essential for them to see unconditional love in order to understand the love of Jesus? Is it because the people are shrouded in darkness, and I tend to overlook their faults?

And if so, what does that say about my heart towards those with whom I come into contact in America? Do I choose not to extend unconditional love to my own countrymen? Do I assume they know the love of Jesus? And why do I fail to offer grace when my fellowman in America makes an untactful remark, neglects to show kindness or generosity to those in need, or focuses on the earthly rather than the eternal? After all, have I not been at fault regarding these same weaknesses?

Living overseas in a developing country with an oppressive government and disheartened people continues to expose my shortcomings. Currently we reside in a culture which overlooks, almost condones, lying, cheating, persecution and prejudices. One would think, or at least I would think, a reasonably honest person whose job is to break down walls of prejudices and love the unlovely would feel pretty good about themselves in light of their surroundings. Not so. Interestingly enough, it has quite the opposite effect. Instead, there is a lot of self evaluation. The old “plank in your own eye” seems rather monumental at times. Especially when you see the “specs” of others in light of the fact that they do not posses the power to overcome sin.

As a follower of Jesus I do possess the power to overcome sin. And yet I often fail to rely on His power. I tend to do things in my own strength. And then ponder why I end up falling short. In Southeast Asia we've often come to the end of ourselves requiring us to rely on His power. Uh? Could this be from where this patience is coming? Sometimes I wonder if God is sitting on His throne thinking, “Hello, is anyone home in there (my brain) ?”

It is my goal to return to America with a greater tolerance for my compatriots. If I can put aside cultural, religious, ethnic, and economic differences abroad then practicing a little patience with fellow citizens at home should not be an impossible task. It will take time. It will take effort. It will take relying on His power. But it is my hope that in the not so distant future Americans too will be saying, “Wah Ginger! Anda orang yang sabar!” Well, maybe not in so many words.