Wisdom, Wrath, Brotherly Kindness, and Few Other Things to Figure Out...

I have been thinking a lot about how to be more tolerant (and patient) of differences in others in my life.  I feel like I can be pretty impatient with people who do things differently than I think they should be done.  I think that my way is the ONLY right way.  I get frustrated with others who think differently than I do.  And I don't like it.  This impatience creates unhealthy relationships with co-workers, classmates, friends, family, and my wife.  SO, I did a little scripture search to see if I can get some scripture-supported analogs to help me change my ways.  Here are a few of the top finds:

D&C 4:6 

Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience,brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.

This has been a scripture that has come up in my mind MANY times lately as I have made a conscious effort to be patient with others at work or school.  Brotherly kindness is the kicker for me here.  Who am I to "be mad" at my brother?  How can I justify unkind behavior to a member of my family?  So what if that kid isn't doing anything at work and I have to pick up the slack?  "He aint heavy, he's my brother".

Matthew 7:12

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should doto you, do ye even so to them

The golden rule.  I am WAY SHORT of perfection.  I blow it all the time.  I do dumb things.  I mess up.  I don't work as hard as I should.  I break things accidentally.  Here is the question - Do I expect forgiveness without giving it in return?  I think, yes, I am guilty of this sometimes.  And the worst part is, I don't realize this in the moment... it usually takes me a few hours (or days... or weeks!) to come to this.  And, unfortunately, by then the damage is usually done.  I want to get to the point where I can, in the 'frustrating moment' I can remember how often I demand the forgiveness and tolerance of others, and in turn, offer it immediately.  (It is kind of like the "King Benjamin Principle" - 'Are we not all beggars?')  If we can offer that immediate forgiveness in the form of patience and kindness, life is so much better!  We don't have to repair the damage hours, days, weeks, or even years later.

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

This is huge.  I get frustrated when someone doesn't fulfill my expectations... but then to 'despitefully use me'?  How am I supposed to get over that one?  Its a high standard.  I think going back to remembering that this person is my brother/sister, it is easier to love and pray for them.  It brings to mind the priest in Les Mis.  What an amazing example of love while being blatantly 'despitefully used'.  And like I said, I can (usually) hit this point a few hours, days, weeks later... but the negative feelings that I experience in that time before I reach the level of love and understanding is PAINFUL.  I want to rid my life of that.  Oh priest, what is your secret?!

Proverbs 29:8

wise men turn away wrath.

There it is.  If we are wise, we will turn away from the natural man, and not get angry (or impatient) with others.  We will avoid wrath and contention at all costs.  I want to be wise.  I have seen remarkable examples of this in my life.  In fact, one of the best examples of this is a fellow Bearrie.  He avoids anger and confrontation SO well.  It is impressive.  He is a wise man.

Anyways, there are a few things that I got out of a quick search.  After taking in these scriptures, it comes down to a constant battle of realizing that we ALL aren't perfect.  We are all on our individual journeys back to God and we are ALL learning on the way.  Keeping this in mind, it makes it easier to be patient with others.  I'll keep doing my best!  Hopefully you will too!