Patience....wherefore art thou??

Patience is a virtue that some 'bleed' to find while many give up to seek, tempted by the comfort that comes with the release of rage, that usually ends in regretful actions. In a world where ignorance is bliss and selfishness a way of life, behaviour becomes antagonistic to the ways of patience. When I am all I care about, I do not have to tolerate your ways, nor discern my reaction against your actions. If what you do does not incline to my standards, why must I restraint myself from reacting with rage? The question here goes beyond what is right or wrong. Selfishness results in a lack of empathy. Therefore, even if you are rightfully wrong in your actions, I will not look at your mistakes through the lense of empathy. I may make the same mistakes at times,and expect not to be chastised, but that will not stop me from reacting against you. Why? Because I don't really care about you.... and thus, the ode of selfishness continues.

At times, the lack of patience may become an object of justification, with phrases such as 'righteous anger' coming into play. One may even relate to Christ's 'rage' at the Temple which is mentioned in Scripture. It would be interesting however, to acknowledge the fact that Christ's actions, however violent they may seem, did not stem from motives of selfishness or lack of empathy. His actions were centred on the will of God, that "My Temple will be called a house of prayer for the people of all nations" and that turning it into a "hideout of thieves" would not only be against the will of God, but also signify an obstacle to the blessing of all nations (cf. Mark 11:15-18).In other words, Christ's thoughts stemmed from empathy toward all peoples and a zeal for the will of God. Such thoughts do not point towards the self, and thus avoids all forms of self-righteousness. Christ's actions were not a deliberate display of holiness for the sake of the self, but rather an expression of true Holiness that looks toward God and neighbour.Thus, it cannot serve as a justification for the lack of patience which stem from a selfish need to give one a piece of our mind.

However, this does not mean that clarity should be ignored. Patience is not equal to ignorance, and thus, always point out to understanding. If there is a need to make things clear, it should be. However, the purpose of clarifying, as it were, is to set minds away from ignorance, not to let go of rage. Thus, clarifying or commenting is only necessary when it is helpful, and if it could be delivered effectively, without being entangled with burning emotions....And thus, with the end of this sentence, the personal struggle for patience continue...