Tuesday Tidings June 9, 2026

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“…with all humility, and gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” -Ephesians 4:2-3

Most of the time when we talk about “patience,” we’re talking about keeping our cool while we stand in line at the DMV. People who are patient, have no problem at all waiting for their meal to arrive at a restaurant. Bumper to bumper traffic, or even gridlock, no problem at all for a truly patient person.

If the above describes your level kind of composure, then kudos to you! You are to be commended.

Now, having said that, as you might have guessed… the Bible doesn’t mention anything about the DMV or bumper to bumper traffic.

In fact, in scripture, when patience is considered, it is usually about the patience that we are expected to have with our neighbor. The Bible is concerned with interpersonal patience.

Patience in this regard is not some personally attained feat of strength, it is a gift offered to the people we meet along the way.

And there’s very good reason that this expression of patience is such a central part of the biblical witness. It is our Lord’s hope that we maintain a sense of connectedness, Paul goes so far as to call for “unity.”

We can all admit that there have been those folks in our lives that have truly tested our patience. Their affect, personality, convictions grate on us, maybe even anger us. There’s just no talking to some of these people, and so… eventually, we just stop. Nerves fray, tensions build, and relationships are dismantled.

And while this is sometimes the best course of action for everyone concerned, we are still called to consider how we might demonstrate the biblical brand of patience in precisely these kinds of circumstances. Not simply for the sake of being nice, but rather as an acknowledgment that we all have growing to do. And some of the greatest joys in this Christian life come when we can grow together.

And there’s one more thing, just think of how things might be different, if the One we worship lacked an abiding and lasting patience with us.

Question for reflection: Are you a patient person? If not, why?

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

God of mercy and might, we know all too well how patient you have been with each of us. Despite our faults and failings, even though our passion for service waxes and wanes; you remain faithful. We pray that your steadfast love would serve as an inspiration, as we seek to live faithfully as your followers. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.