Romans 15:1-6 NKJV

[1] We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak and not to please ourselves. [2] Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. [3] For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” [4] For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. [5] Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, [6] that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am a mechanic by trade. I have learned to earn a living fixing things that are broken. I study how things work, and I am patient (for the most part) figuring out how to make things work correctly.

When it comes to people, that is a different story. It irritates me to see people (especially those I help to hold accountable) make the same foolish decisions over and over. They know better. They should do better. I am quick to get frustrated because I am slow to extend grace quickly and correctly. It's easy to forget where and how far I've come.

If the love of Christ is in me, I am responsible for directing it toward other people. I can't bottle up unmerited grace and keep it for myself. It is meant to be shared. I owe it to God and His longsuffering towards me to show that kind of patience to everyone else.