It will not be far from the truth to say that Jesus had “mixed multitudes” in His team. When He first recruited them, they demonstrated different character flaws that could make an onlooker conclude that they were wrong choices. He had Peter for a braggart. Thomas was a perpetual doubter. James and John had issue with hot temper, never mind that they were equally egoistical. They were the ones who wanted to sit on either side of Jesus in His kingdom. It is interesting that Jesus bore all their excesses with patience. Except for Judas, all of them went on becoming the voice and face of Christianity after His ascension. Patience had its perfect work in them. Patience can turn things and people around and bring out the best in them.

Patience can turn things and people around and bring out the best in them…Most people are like diamonds in the rough. It would take someone of patient inclination to educate and polish them so they can be released into the fullness of destiny.

The admonition of Paul to the brethren at Thessalonica to be patient with all may have been born out of experience. At one time, he could not tolerate the inconsistency in Mark. Remember that Mark tagged along Paul and Barnabas in their first missionary journey. The young man, however, abandoned the mission midway. That was the cause of the separation between Paul and Barnabas. Whatever Mark became must have been because of the patient mentoring he received from Barnabas. Years after, Paul found Mark an asset. “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.” (II Timothy 4:11 NKJV). Most people are like diamonds in the rough. It would take someone of patient inclination to educate and polish them so they can be released into the fullness of destiny.