Proverbs 16:32 – Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. (NIV)

I crochet many blankets for babies. Recently, I had just begun one when it occurred to me how well this particular colour went with my décor. I thus decided to pick up more yarn and increase the size of the piece. I now have a lovely warm throw for those drafty winter evenings.

Like knitting, one of the main skills when crocheting is to keep an even and consistent tension to the stitches. When this is achieved, the finished product is something to be proud of, as it lies and looks beautiful, and retains its shape forever.

Likewise, learning to keep an even tension in regard to our attitudes and temper amidst our everyday lives is a skill worth cultivating. A friend of mine, when she begins to lose her temper or sees the children becoming impatient or angry, is very fond of saying that patience is a virtue. I have heard her utter this so frequently that I now find myself quoting it out loud when my temper is wearing thin. Jack Wellman, in a biblical definition of the word virtue, describes it this way: "The word virtue has a lot of meaning and means many different things but can be a trait or disposition of character that leads to good behavior."

Learning to control our temper, our annoyance, and our bad attitudes by practicing the virtue of patience thus brings great reward to our lives, as the tensions that we all have to deal with each day and our reactions to them become much more even and balanced. Our behaviour and witness for Christ through our words and actions become much steadier and more consistent. This is something that I expect all of us would like to see within ourselves.

Proverbs 29:11 – A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. (NIV)

Today, we will be faced with various issues and problems, some small, some large, that may test and try our patience. Amidst the tension of them, we will also have a choice: to be foolish, or to be wise, keeping ourselves under control. I pray that we may all choose wisely.

Proverbs 25:28 – Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. (NIV)

Prayer: Father God, help each of us today to look to You amidst the various tensions of our day, that through Your guidance, we may choose wisely, be patient and consistent in our attitude and temper, and therefore build up our witness to others rather than tearing it down. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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