The Hallmark of Christians

"remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father." (1 Thessalonians 1:3) Many dictionaries have given different kinds of definition to the word patience. Notwithstanding the various definitions, I will like to go by my own definition of patience as, "waiting and enduring all forms of trials and temptations towards the coming of God."

Beloved in Christ, how are you waiting for the coming of Christ? Are you losing your faith and hope towards his coming? It is certain and without controversy that Christ's coming seems delayed in the sight of the world, but with us, how do we react as his coming seems delayed?

Patience endures all things, with patience success will be achieved in all things. The question we must ask ourselves is this: how can we attain patience? Friends, being patient towards Christ's second coming is not a day’s work, being patient in situations doesn't come at once. Attaining patience comes only through the Holy Spirit. When the whole heart is given to the Spirit of God, he will plant in us the Spirit of patience which will be a fountain in us to help us to wait towards the blessed day.

From James 1:3, we read this: "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing". Sometimes things may seem difficult; you will be provoked in many situations. At times you will feel angry in certain situations, you may be tempted to even speak profane words to your neighbour, you may also be tempted to fornicate as a young lady or gentleman or lie in your work place to be promoted; in all of these BE PATIENT BY LIVING TO PLEASE THE LORD AS YOU AWAIT FOR THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.

Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King. Friends, let us wait patiently by ensuring that we endure all trials. Hold fast patiently to the faith like job and Joseph. They waited patiently throughout their troubles and at the end they were victorious. May the Lord bless us all in Jesus' name. Amen!

Adjei Owusuaa Vida