UNPACK This...Being Patient With Ourselves and Each OtherSample

Patience Is Required

After finishing as the low amateur at the 2016 Masters Tournament, Bryson DeChambeau didn't experience much success at Augusta National in the following years.

However, that changed in 2024, when he finished the tournament in a tie for sixth place.

DeChambeau, long known for his “all-or-nothing” approach, credited much of his success in 2024 to increased patience.

He commented, "A lot of patience is required around this golf course. ​​I've tried to be a little bit smarter out there on the golf course and not try to go for broke and go for every flag..."

Patience is essential for professional golfers, but even more so for followers of Jesus.

Patience is difficult to develop on our own, but God does not expect us to grow by "pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps" and trying harder. Instead, we should live by the Spirit and focus on God's lovingly demonstrated patience.

2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

When we consider our sins against God, we recognize we deserve swift judgment for our violations. Thankfully, God demonstrates patience and graciously gives us time to repent of our sins and trust Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

The more we understand the immeasurable patience God demonstrates to us, the more we can replicate that patience in our attitude toward unbelievers. Instead of becoming impatient when someone sins against us, we should remember the patience God shows us and be motivated to demonstrate it to others.

1 Corinthians 13:4a (NIV) reminds us of the importance of demonstrating patience as a reflection of true love: “Love is patient…”

Today, let’s reflect on the patience we've been shown in Christ. As we do so, let’s be motivated to live with increased patience as we interact with others.

Just like at Augusta, "a lot of patience is required" as we walk the course of life.

I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for being patient with me in my sins. I'm so grateful for Your patience and forgiveness, and I pray You'll help me show those qualities to others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

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