After finishing as the low amateur at the 2016 Masters Tournament, Bryson DeChambeau hasn't experienced much success at Augusta National. But that could change with DeChambeau finishing Thursday's opening round atop the leaderboard, firing a first-round 65 in windy conditions. DeChambeau, who has long been known for his aggressiveness and “all or nothing” approach, credits much of his success in the first round to increased patience. He recently 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, but place it in the right position." Patience is a tremendous character trait for a professional golfer to possess but it's even more important for followers of Jesus to demonstrate. Because we're often tempted to be impatient, patience is a virtue that can be difficult to develop on our own. God's not expecting us to grow in our patience by "pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps" and trying harder, but rather, we 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 a Holy God, we recognize we deserve swift punishment and judgment for our violations, and that He's fair and just by condemning us for them. Thankfully for us, however, God demonstrates patience and graciously gives us time to repent of our sins and trust in 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, aggressive, and short-tempered when someone sins against us, we should remember the patience God shows us and be motivated to demonstrate patience and grace towards others...and pray they turn to Jesus for forgiveness. The same can be said of our attitude towards fellow believers. When we're tempted to be impatient with a brother or sister in Christ, we should be reminded of God's patience toward us and reflect the same to those around us. 1 Corinthians 13:4a (NIV) reminds us of the importance of demonstrating patience in our lives 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 encouraged and 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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