Let’s take an example:
I am tempted to get angry because a friend told me he would be at the meeting place at 9:00, we are late for an important meeting, and it is already 9:45 without him having arrived or answering the phone. This
situation could easily provoke anger in me.
A worldly man would probably let himself be carried away by this emotion or
similar emotion.
But the Christian, he does not give in to this impulse, because he knows the Law of God and, the Spirit of peace dwells in him and reign in him , despite the circumstances, he keeps his heart far from sin .
He exercises his free will illuminated by the knowledge of the divine law,
lives by the Spirit, and he is a new creature endowed with
temperance and self-control.
To the worldly mindset, it may seem unrealistic, even abnormal, to remain calm in such a situation.
However, God does not command us to do the impossible. The Law He gave
us is made so that we can conform to it, and it is not beyond
our abilities. Otherwise, God would not have given such a
command.
Sinful impatience is manifested by impulsive behaviors and hurtful words. It can include sighs of annoyance, feelings of exasperation, or statements such as, “I’ve been waiting for an hour. I’m sick of it!” Other signs include outward expressions of displeasure such as grimacing, frowning, or speaking in a
high, impulsive, angry tone, such as, “Where are you?” “Well,
can you hurry up?” or “Drive fast, don’t you understand?”
These irritable attitudes and behaviors, combined with
uncontrolled impatience, can hurt others and are evidence of
a lack of self-control. This type of behavior is not worthy of
the kingdom of God .
Conversely, there is a form of impatience that is acceptable, which seeks neither to hurt nor to show irritation. For example, one may be impatient to see a loved one again whom one has not seen for a long time, impatient to see
someone recover from an illness, or impatient to see the elimination of sinners from the earth.
This impatience is healthy and can even be an expression of love or zeal for
justice, without falling into excesses of aggressiveness or irritability.
Psalm 37:10 For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more.