a loving patience

Patience is a special kind of love that challenges us to stand out in a busy world. It’s a rare and tough quality to master, but it’s important in every part of our lives—our relationships, jobs, health, and faith. Talking about patience can sound easy, but practicing it every day can be challenging. Luckily, we’re not alone. Jesus showed us how powerful patient love can be and how it can change our lives. The Bible talks about this, especially in Romans 12, where it connects patience with genuine love and teaches us to live by God’s word and His standards rather than the world’s.

” Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. “ Romans 12:1-2 NIV

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, PATIENT in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. “ Romans 12:9-19 NIV

In my own life, as a baseball player for the Washington Nationals, patience has played a huge role, especially during the last 15 months recovering from tearing my UCL and having to get Tommy John surgery. I had all these plans and goals, but then suddenly, I was forced to stop and rethink everything because of what had happened. This wasn’t just about getting back in shape; it was a time to really understand that sometimes, things don’t go as planned and that’s okay because God has a bigger plan.

It’s taught me to slow down. In sports, everyone wants to get back in the game as quickly as possible, but my injury recovery required something different. It showed me that sometimes, slowing down is what actually helps us heal better. It’s about taking each day as it comes and not rushing the process. This aligns with the verse from Romans 12:2, where it says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This was a call to embrace a different, slower pace. Then, there’s the whole thing about staying hopeful even when it gets tough. There were days when I felt like I wasn’t making any progress at all, but I had to remind myself to stay patient and keep a positive outlook. It’s all about celebrating the small wins and not getting bogged down by the setbacks. Romans 12:12 encourages us to “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer,” which became a daily habit for me. Also, I learned a lot about leaning on others. My family, teammates, coaches, and the medical staff were all there for me, and their support was crucial. It showed me that patience is something we can all help each other with, not just something you have to deal with on your own. The scripture says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves,” from Romans 12:10, reminding me how important it is to support and be supported by others. And finally, prayer was a big part of keeping patient for me. Talking to God helped me stay calm and patient, reminding me to trust that there’s a bigger plan and that things will work out in the end. Being “faithful in prayer” as mentioned in Romans 12:12 was key to maintaining my patience through this process.

All these parts of being patient have not just helped me get through my recovery but have also given me tools to handle other challenges that may come my way.

Reading verses like Isaiah 40:30-31 and Jeremiah 29:11 are great reminders for me that God is always there, giving us hope and strength, especially when we’re feeling down or worn out. It’s all about trusting that God has the right timing for everything, even if we can’t see it yet.

Isaiah 40:30-31,” Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. “

Jeremiah 29:11,” For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. “

Going through all this has really taught me how to be patient—not just with my career, but with myself too. Patience isn’t something that just happens; it’s something you have to work at every day.

It means waiting for God’s plan to show itself, even when you’re not sure what’s coming.

In the end, being patient is more than just waiting around. It’s about keeping your faith strong and sticking to the path God has set for you, no matter how tough it gets. It’s letting God lead the way and feeling at peace because you know He’s got good things planned for us. So, let’s try to be patient every day and really feel it deep down, because that’s what God wants for us.

-n0tbycade