As Christians, we should be patient. Why is patience such a virtue for Christians? Because this life is a life of waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is coming. That is our sure hope. Just like the farmer, who, after he plants the seed in the ground, patiently waits for the rains that will make the crop grow, we must be patient and wait for his return. What can we do while we patiently wait? We stand firm in the word of the Lord (8), don't grumble against our brother or sister (9), and persevere through our suffering that is inevitable in this life. We must, above all, refrain from making oaths. Our "yes" should always mean "yes", and our "no" should always mean "no."

We can also pray. This life is full of hardship and trouble, even for Christians. When we get into trouble, we should pray for guidance and help. When we are sick, we ask others to pray for us, for prayers offered in faith can make a sick person well. We also pray for those who are lost, that they might come back to the Lord.


Application: Father, thank you that Jesus is coming again. Help me to be patient as I await your coming.
One Word: The Lord's coming is near!