Have you noticed how impatient people are especially at this time of year?
For Believers it is a good time to let the Holy Spirit continue to develop the fruit of patience in each one of us. By expressing patience we may bring a blessing, or peace to someone who is tired or harassed or otherwise having a difficult time; a clerk for example. Let us see what Scripture says to us concerning patience.

"The New King James Version, Open Bible" defines patience as: the ability to bear trials without grumbling; perseverance. Of the Trinity we see-- God, the author:
"Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus." Romans 15:5

Christ, the example:
"Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ." 2 Thessalonians 3:5

The Holy Spirit, the source:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23 (Look at these verses once again, could we say that kindness, gentleness and self-control are manifested in patience?)

Patience is a product--
Of a good heart:
Jesus' explanation to the disciples of parable of the seeds and the soil, Luke 8:11-15, "But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, who having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience."
Vs. 15

Of tribulations:
"Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance." Romans 5:3 The Amplified Bible

Of testing of faith:
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3

Of hope:
"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all.
Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:24-25

Of the Scriptures:
"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."
Romans 15:4

Patience is necessary grace-
In times of crises:
Speaking to His disciples of the signs of Christ's coming, Jesus says, "You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will send some of you to your death. And you will be hated by all for My names sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. In your patience possess your souls." Luke 21:16-19

In opposing evil:
Christ speaking to the church at Ephesus says, "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary."
Revelation 2:2-3

In soundness of faith:
"But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience." Titus 2:1-2

In waiting for Christ's return:
"Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." James 5:7-8

As we pray for patience, do not be surprised at the MANY opportunities God provides to be patient! Those are gifts of answered prayer! How else can we learn patience except that it be developed in us?

"The Living Bible" paraphrases James 1:2-4 in a most practical way, "Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete."

All praise and glory to God! Amen