Patience, the Steel of Character - A Poem

Patience is the steel of character,
Patience is the strength of the inner man,
Patience is the final factor
In the test of God's perfect man.

Patience will keep you through fire,
Patience will keep you from the heat of the day,
Patience will keep you from all desire
That seeks to destroy God's complete man.

Patience is the test of faith,
Patience is the test of love,
Patience is the test of hope
In God's goodness towards men.

Patience cannot be bought by money,
It isn't gained through ascetic pain.
Yet, Patience need not be gained so, for
Patience is the gift of the Spirit within every man.

"The fruit of the Spirit is...patience" (Gal. 5:22)
"let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:4)
"In your patience you shall possess your souls." (Luke 21:19)