Bible Verses That Highlight Patience as a Virtue
The Biblical Foundations of Patience
When we talk about patience is a virtue bible scripture, we're touching on something deeply woven into Christian teaching, even though you won't find that exact phrase in Scripture. The concept, however, is unmistakably biblical.
The idea of patience in the Bible goes far beyond simply waiting in line at the grocery store or not honking your horn in traffic. Biblical patience—translated from the Greek makrothumia (meaning long-suffering) or the Hebrew erek appayim (literally "long-nostriled")—describes an active, powerful quality that enables believers to endure difficulties while keeping faith intact.
While the familiar saying "patience is a virtue" actually originated in medieval literature rather than the Bible itself, Scripture clearly upholds patience as a moral excellence that comes from God. It's portrayed not as passive resignation but as courageous, purposeful endurance.
Here are some of the most meaningful passages where the Bible speaks about patience:
ScriptureVerseKey TeachingGalatians 5:22-23"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience..."Patience is a fruit of the Holy SpiritJames 1:3-4"For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow..."Trials produce patienceRomans 12:12"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."Patience during hardship1 Corinthians 13:4"Love is patient, love is kind..."Patience as an expression of love2 Peter 3:9"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise...but is patient toward you..."God's patience as our model
When life throws its hardest challenges our way—whether it's anxiety that won't let up, trauma from our past, or relationships that feel broken beyond repair—these verses offer more than just nice words. They provide a real pathway to developing spiritual resilience.
Understanding patience as God's gift rather than something we must manufacture through sheer willpower helps us approach our difficulties with a completely different perspective. This isn't about gritting our teeth and enduring; it's about allowing God's character to form within us.
At Share The Struggle, we've seen how growing in biblical patience often requires support along the way. That's why our faith-based coaching offers a space where you can process life's challenges and develop spiritual virtues like patience within a supportive community that understands both your faith and your struggles.
If you're seeking personalized support to navigate these challenges, integrate these principles into your life, and transform the limiting beliefs that hinder your hope, consider partnering with a Share the Struggle Coach on your journey.
Patience is a Virtue Bible Scripture: Definition & Origins
Have you ever wondered where the saying "patience is a virtue" comes from? Many of us assume it's straight from the Bible, but surprisingly, this familiar phrase doesn't actually appear in Scripture! The saying originated in the 14th century in William Langland's poem "Piers Plowman," though its roots stretch back to the 4th-century Latin moral poem "Dicta Catonis" (Sayings of Cato).
While the exact phrase isn't biblical, the concept absolutely is. The Bible mentions patience over 70 times across various translations, showing just how central this quality is to living a faithful life.
Biblical patience runs much deeper than our modern understanding. In Scripture, the Greek word most commonly translated as "patience" is makrothumia – literally meaning "long-souled" or "large-hearted." This beautiful term conveys having a heart spacious enough to absorb offenses without striking back. The Hebrew equivalent, erek appayim, paints an equally vivid picture – "long nostrils," representing someone who takes deep, calm breaths when provoked rather than quick, angry ones.
Biblical PatienceEveryday PatienceActive endurance under trialPassive waitingSpiritual fruit given by GodPersonal willpowerLong-suffering toward othersTolerance until frustratedFaithful waiting on God's timingDelayed gratificationCharacter-forming virtueUseful life skillPowerful spiritual strengthAvoiding irritationExpression of loveManagement of annoyance
Biblical patience isn't just about waiting – it's about how we wait. It's an active, powerful virtue that accomplishes things, as Proverbs 25:15 reminds us: "Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone." This kind of patience isn't passive resignation but steadfast endurance with divine purpose.
In the framework of biblical virtue ethics, patience holds a special place. In 2 Peter 1:5-7, we see it nestled in a progressive chain of virtues: "Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance (patience), to perseverance godliness..."
When we understand the true biblical meaning of patience, it transforms our approach to life's challenges. It's not about gritting our teeth until something difficult passes, but actively trusting God's timing even when we can't see the outcome.
At Share The Struggle, we've seen how many people find it incredibly challenging to develop this kind of patience, especially when facing anxiety, relationship difficulties, or waiting for answers to prayer. Our coaches can help you explore what biblical patience looks like in your specific situation, offering support as you develop this crucial spiritual fruit in your life.
Romans 12:12 – Patient in Tribulation
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." - Romans 12:12
This gem from Paul's letter to the Romans packs so much wisdom into just a few words. It's like a spiritual power bar—small but incredibly nourishing! Notice how patience is a virtue bible scripture places patience right in the middle, nestled between hope and prayer, showing us it doesn't exist in isolation.
To really appreciate this verse, we need to understand its context. Paul spent eleven chapters unpacking deep theological truths about salvation, and now he's saying, "Okay, here's how to live it out." It's as if he's telling us, "Now that you understand God's incredible mercy, here's how to respond when life gets tough."
The Greek word for "patient" here is hypomenō, which literally means "to remain under." Think about that image for a second—staying put under pressure rather than trying to escape. It's like the marathon runner in our image who keeps going despite every muscle screaming to stop. This isn't passive waiting; it's active endurance with purpose.
I love that Paul doesn't sugarcoat things. He doesn't say "if tribulation comes" but assumes it's part of the journey. The early Christians faced intense persecution, yet Paul doesn't offer an escape plan—he offers a posture to adopt within suffering.
This patience isn't about gritting your teeth until the storm passes. It's about being transformed through the waiting. It's part of your sanctification—the process God uses to make you more like Christ. As Romans 5:3-4 explains, suffering produces endurance, which builds character, which deepens hope.
When we're facing our own storms—whether it's relationship conflicts, health challenges, financial stress, or spiritual doubts—this verse offers us a three-pronged approach:
Rejoice in hope by focusing on God's promises rather than present problems. Be patient in tribulation by staying under the pressure with purpose. Be constant in prayer by maintaining ongoing conversation with God.
At Share The Struggle, we've seen how this verse provides a practical framework for navigating life's difficulties. Many people we coach find themselves stuck in the "tribulation" part, forgetting the bookends of hope and prayer that make patience possible. Sometimes having someone walk alongside you makes all the difference in developing this spiritual muscle of patience.
When patience feels impossible, remember—it's not just about waiting for circumstances to change, but about being changed through the waiting. That's the journey from endurance to character to hope that Paul describes. And you don't have to walk that path alone.
Galatians 5:22-23 – Patience as Fruit of the Spirit
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23
When we explore patience is a virtue bible scripture, there's perhaps no passage more revealing than Galatians 5:22-23. Here, patience isn't just mentioned in passing—it's highlighted as an essential component of the fruit that naturally grows in a Spirit-led life.
The beauty of this passage lies in its profound simplicity. Notice Paul uses the singular "fruit"—not "fruits." This isn't a spiritual shopping list where we get to pick our favorites. Rather, these nine qualities come as a complete package, growing together like different aspects of the same harvest. Patience doesn't exist in isolation; it's intertwined with love, joy, peace, and the other qualities.
The Greek word used here—makrothumia—reveals something fascinating about biblical patience. This isn't primarily about waiting for circumstances to change; it specifically refers to patience with people. Think of it as having a long fuse in relationships, being slow to anger and quick to forgive. When your spouse says something thoughtless or your colleague takes credit for your work, this is the kind of patience being described.
I find it deeply comforting that patience is described as fruit rather than a task. Fruit doesn't appear through straining and struggling—it grows naturally from a healthy tree. In the same way, patience emerges not primarily through our willpower but through the Holy Spirit's work in us as we stay connected to Jesus, the true vine.
This understanding transforms our approach to growing in patience. Instead of beating ourselves up when we fall short ("I should be more patient!"), we can focus on creating conditions for the Spirit to produce patience within us. Like a gardener who doesn't force fruit to grow but cultivates the right environment, we nurture our relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, and community.
Paul's contrast in Galatians is striking. Earlier in the chapter, he lists "works of the flesh"—behaviors like outbursts of anger, strife, and dissensions. The message is clear: impatience and quick tempers reveal our flesh at work, while patience and self-control demonstrate the Spirit's influence.
At Share The Struggle, we've seen how this understanding liberates people from the exhausting cycle of trying harder to be patient. Our coaches help clients distinguish between striving for patience through willpower alone versus surrendering to the Spirit's transformative work. When we approach character formation this way, patience becomes less of a burden and more of a natural outgrowth of spiritual health.
If you find yourself constantly battling impatience—whether with your kids, your spouse, difficult coworkers, or even with God's timing—remember that the fruit of patience grows through connection, not effort alone. Sometimes the support of a faith-based coach can make all the difference in creating space for the Spirit to cultivate this powerful fruit in your life.
James 1:2-4 – Trials Produce Endurance
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1:2-4
Have you ever found yourself thinking, "This waiting is killing me"? James offers one of the most challenging yet beautifully profound teachings on patience in Scripture. What makes it so is how he invites us to completely flip our perspective on difficulties—seeing them not as unfortunate detours but as essential parts of our spiritual journey.
The word James uses for "steadfastness" is hupomonē in Greek, referring to patient endurance that stands firm under pressure. It's active, not passive. Think of it like this: trials test our faith, and when we respond with trust rather than panic or doubt, patience grows like a muscle being strengthened.
Patience grows through testing, not by avoiding challenges. This is counter to our natural instincts! We typically try to minimize discomfort and maximize convenience. But James suggests that our spiritual growth works in the opposite direction. Just as a personal trainer might say, "The burn means it's working," our difficulties are often the very tools God uses to develop patience within us.
Patience has purpose. Notice James doesn't just say to endure trials, but to "let steadfastness have its full effect." There's something transformative happening in the waiting. When we short-circuit the process by trying to escape too quickly, we might miss the very thing God is developing in us.
Patience is a pathway to maturity. The end result James promises is becoming "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Don't let the word "perfect" throw you—the Greek word teleios means "complete" or "mature." It's about wholeness, not flawlessness. Patience isn't just about surviving today's hardship; it's about becoming the person God designed you to be.
Patience begins with perspective. James doesn't say "feel joy" during trials (that would be unrealistic!), but to "count it joy"—a deliberate choice to view challenges through the lens of their spiritual purpose. It's like looking at a difficult workout not with dread but with anticipation of the strength it will build.
The testing James talks about isn't random suffering but purposeful refinement. Like precious metal being purified in fire, our faith goes through heat to remove impurities and strengthen what remains. Patience is both the process and the product of this refinement.
At Share The Struggle, we see this play out in real time with our coaching clients. Many come to us in the midst of painful waiting seasons—whether it's healing from trauma, rebuilding trust in a relationship, or working through persistent anxiety. Through our captive thoughts coaching model, we help people engage with their challenges rather than just escape them, identifying the growth opportunities hidden within their current struggles.
The joy James speaks of doesn't mean feeling happy about pain. Instead, it's about recognizing that even in our hardest moments, God is at work developing something precious within us—a patience that leads to wholeness.
Psalm 37:7 – Waiting Quietly on the Lord
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!" - Psalm 37:7
Have you ever watched someone who seems to be cutting corners get ahead while you're doing everything "right" and still struggling? In our world where we expect immediate results and instant solutions, Psalm 37:7 offers us something radically different – an invitation to stillness and patient waiting. This verse beautifully captures the essence of patience is a virtue bible scripture by teaching us about trusting God's timing and justice.
The Hebrew word for "wait patiently" here is chuwl, which interestingly carries connotations of writhing in pain or anguish. This suggests something most of us know from experience – patient waiting isn't always comfortable or easy. Yet in the same breath that the psalmist calls us to this challenging patience, he also commands us not to "fret" – not to become anxious, agitated, or consumed with worry.
David wrote this psalm from lived experience. He knew what it was like to watch wicked people prosper while the righteous suffered. He understood the natural human response: frustration, anger, even despair. But instead of feeding those reactions, he prescribes patience – not as passive resignation but as active, deliberate trust in God's character and promises.
When the psalm tells us to "be still" (literally "be silent") before the Lord, it's suggesting that true patience involves quieting our inner complaints, anxious questions, and demanding timelines. It's about creating a space of internal calm even when everything around us feels chaotic. This stillness isn't emptiness – it's a focused attention on God's presence and promises amid our struggles.
As the psalm continues, we're reminded that "in just a little while, the wicked will be no more" (v. 10) and "the meek shall inherit the land" (v. 11). These aren't empty platitudes but reminders that God's justice will ultimately prevail, though not always according to our preferred schedule. Real biblical patience is anchored in this confidence.
There's a profound difference between the anxious waiting that comes from uncertainty and the biblical waiting that comes from certainty. We don't wait because we're unsure if God will act – we wait because we're confident that He will act at exactly the right time, in exactly the right way.
In our coaching practice at Share The Struggle, we often help clients distinguish between fretting and waiting. Many people mistake worry for watchfulness or anxiety for action. When life feels unfair or progress seems slow – whether in healing from past trauma, working through relationship difficulties, or overcoming addictive behaviors – learning to wait patiently on the Lord becomes essential.
This kind of divine patience isn't passive – it's a purposeful stillness that creates space for God to work both in our circumstances and in our hearts. It's about trusting God's divine timing while remaining faithful in the present moment. Learning this skill of being productively still rather than frantically busy is crucial for both spiritual growth and emotional health.
2 Peter 3:9 – God's Patient Heart Toward Humanity
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9
Have you ever waited for something so long that you began to wonder if it would ever happen? The early Christians knew this feeling well. When Peter wrote these words, believers were wrestling with doubt about Christ's promised return. Some were growing discouraged while others faced mockery from skeptics asking, "Where is this 'coming' he promised?"
Peter's response reveals something beautiful about God that transforms our understanding of patience is a virtue bible scripture. Instead of simply telling them to wait harder, he pulls back the curtain on God's heart.
God's timing often confuses us. What feels like "slowness" to us operates on an entirely different scale in God's eternal perspective. As Peter reminds us just a verse earlier, "with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." This isn't just poetic language—it's a profound reminder that God exists outside our limited timeframes.
What moves me most about this passage is how personal God's patience is. Notice Peter doesn't just say "God is patient" as an abstract concept, but that He "is patient toward you." His patience isn't a distant divine attribute but a deeply personal expression of His love directed specifically toward people He cherishes.
This patience isn't passive waiting, either. It's active, purposeful, and redemptive. God isn't dragging His feet—He's creating space for salvation, "not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." When God delays, it's not because He's forgotten His promises but because He's giving more time for hearts to turn to Him.
I find such comfort knowing that divine delays often reflect divine mercy. What if the waiting seasons in our lives aren't evidence of God's inattention but of His patient love? What if God is using those times to work deeper changes in us and others that we can't yet see?
God's patience also becomes our model. If the Creator of the universe exercises such patient love toward stubborn humanity, how much more should we extend patience to others and ourselves? As Paul writes in Ephesians 5:1, we are to be "imitators of God, as beloved children."
At Share The Struggle, we often work with people who feel God has forgotten them during long seasons of waiting or suffering. Through our coaching, we help them reframe these periods as potential expressions of God's patient love rather than His absence. Learning to recognize God's patience can transform how we experience our own waiting seasons, bringing peace where there was anxiety and hope where there was despair.
God's patience will eventually give way to fulfillment. Peter makes clear that the Lord will keep His promises—divine patience doesn't mean His promises are abandoned, only that they unfold according to His perfect wisdom and timing.
How to Grow Patience Today
Understanding biblical patience is one thing; developing it is quite another. The beautiful truth is that patience grows in our lives both as the Spirit's fruit and through our intentional cultivation. It's a divine partnership—God works in us while we work out our salvation with reverence (Philippians 2:12-13).
5 Daily Practices to Develop Biblical Patience
Begin with prayer Start each morning by surrendering your timeline to God. I've found that a simple prayer like "Lord, I give you my schedule and expectations today" can transform my attitude before the day even begins. Jesus regularly withdrew to pray before facing challenges (Luke 5:16)—and if the Son of God needed this practice, how much more do we?
Memorize scripture about patience When impatience bubbles up (usually at the worst possible moments), having God's word already tucked in your heart provides immediate perspective. Try choosing just one verse from this article each week to commit to memory. As Psalm 119:11 reminds us, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." The verses become a gentle voice of reason when emotions run high.
Practice taking thoughts captive Impatience typically begins with thoughts like "This is taking forever" or "I deserve better than this waiting." Learning to spot these thoughts and redirect them is a game-changer. At Share The Struggle, our Captive Thoughts coaching model specifically helps people identify these impatient thought patterns and bring them "into obedience to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Cultivate gratitude I've noticed in my own life that impatience flourishes in soil fertilized with entitlement but withers in the garden of gratitude. Each evening, try jotting down three things you're thankful for, especially noting God's faithfulness in past waiting seasons. This simple practice follows Paul's instruction to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and gradually reshapes our expectations.
Serve others who are waiting Nothing develops patience quite like supporting others through their waiting seasons. When we volunteer to mentor someone younger in faith, visit the elderly, or support a friend facing chronic illness, our own challenges often shrink in perspective. Galatians 6:2 calls us to "bear one another's burdens"—and in doing so, we often find our capacity for patience expanding.
Growth in patience is a virtue bible scripture highlights but rarely happens overnight. James 1:4 encourages us to "let patience have its perfect work"—suggesting a process rather than an instant change. Think of patience like a muscle that strengthens gradually through consistent exercise rather than a light switch that flips on and off.
Many people find that developing patience works best with support. At Share The Struggle, our coaching programs provide accountability, encouragement, and practical tools for growing in patience alongside other spiritual virtues. Whether through our affordable weekly group sessions ($40/month) or more personalized one-on-one coaching (starting at $180/month), we create spaces where patience can be nurtured through biblical reflection, honest conversation, and prayer.
The journey toward becoming more patient is itself a test of patience! Be gentle with yourself when you stumble, quick to acknowledge it, and determined to begin again. God's patience, thankfully, extends even to our process of becoming patient. As one client recently told me, "Learning patience has taught me how patient God has been with me all along."
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Frequently Asked Questions about Patience as a Christian Virtue
Is "patience is a virtue" an actual Bible verse?
You might be surprised to learn that the familiar phrase "patience is a virtue" doesn't actually appear anywhere in Scripture! This beloved saying emerged in the 14th century from William Langland's poem "Piers Plowman," where he wrote that "Patience is a virtue, and a fair one at that." The concept has even deeper roots in the "Dicta Catonis," a collection of moral wisdom from the 4th century.
Though the exact wording isn't biblical, the concept absolutely permeates Scripture. The Bible consistently portrays patience as a moral excellence worth developing. In Galatians 5:22-23, patience appears prominently as a fruit of the Spirit. In 2 Peter 1:5-7, it's included in a beautiful progression of virtues that believers are encouraged to cultivate.
God's word presents patience both as a divine attribute we're called to imitate and as a spiritual quality the Holy Spirit produces within us. So while you won't find "patience is a virtue" by doing a Bible word search, the phrase perfectly captures what Scripture teaches about this essential quality.
How is biblical patience different from passive waiting?
Biblical patience is worlds apart from merely sitting around waiting for something to happen. The difference is like comparing a marathon runner's endurance to someone waiting at a bus stop!
The Greek words used for patience in the New Testament—makrothumia and hupomonē—describe an active endurance and steadfast persistence, not passive resignation. Think of Proverbs 25:15, which shows patience as so powerful it can persuade rulers and break bones—hardly a passive quality!
Biblical patience is also purpose-driven. Unlike aimless waiting, it's directed toward spiritual growth. As James 1:3-4 teaches, patience through trials leads to maturity and completeness. There's a destination in mind.
Perhaps most importantly, biblical patience is deeply relational. Much of what Scripture says about patience concerns how we treat others and how we relate to God. In Ephesians 4:2, we're called to "bear with one another in love," showing patience in our relationships.
Biblical patience also differs in being anchored in hope. Romans 8:25 tells us, "But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." This isn't grim endurance but confident expectation.
Finally, biblical patience is Spirit-empowered. Unlike secular patience that depends entirely on willpower, Christian patience is actually a fruit the Holy Spirit produces in us (Galatians 5:22-23).
When we grasp these distinctions, we understand that biblical patience isn't about passively accepting whatever happens, but actively trusting God's timing while continuing to hope, pray, and faithfully work.
What happens when I'm impatient according to Scripture?
We've all had those moments—traffic jams, slow internet, waiting for test results—when impatience bubbles up inside us. Scripture doesn't mince words about the consequences of giving in to that feeling.
Impatience clouds our judgment. Proverbs 14:29 puts it plainly: "Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly." When we're impatient, we make decisions we typically come to regret.
Relationships suffer when patience wears thin. "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention" (Proverbs 15:18). Think about your own experiences—how many arguments started because someone (maybe you?) couldn't exercise a little patience?
One of the most sobering biblical examples comes from King Saul. When he grew impatient waiting for Samuel and decided to offer unauthorized sacrifices himself (1 Samuel 13:8-14), it cost him his kingdom. His impatience revealed a deeper problem: lack of trust in God's timing and provision.
James reminds us that impatience short-circuits our spiritual growth. "Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:4). When we rush the process, we miss the maturity God intends to develop in us.
Like the prodigal son who couldn't wait for his inheritance (Luke 15:11-24), impatience often causes us to settle for less than God's best. We grab what's available now rather than waiting for what's truly valuable.
The beautiful truth is that even when we struggle with impatience, God remains patient with us. When you feel that restless urgency rising within you, that's the perfect moment to reach out to Him for help—and perhaps to a supportive community of believers who can walk alongside you.
At Share The Struggle, our coaches are trained to help you identify the underlying causes of impatience and develop practical, faith-based strategies for growing in this essential virtue. Sometimes the journey toward patience is best walked with a companion who understands the struggle.
Conclusion
Throughout Scripture, patience is a virtue consistently highlighted as essential to Christian character. From the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians to the practical wisdom of James, the Bible paints patience not as passive waiting but as active, powerful endurance that transforms both our circumstances and ourselves.
The biblical understanding of patience isn't isolated—it's beautifully interconnected with other spiritual virtues. It grows from the soil of faith as we trust God's perfect timing. It blossoms in love as we extend grace to others despite their shortcomings. And it's protected by self-control as we resist the impulse to rush ahead of God's divine plan.
Let's be honest—patience doesn't come naturally to most of us. In our world of same-day delivery and instant downloads, waiting feels almost countercultural. That's okay. The journey toward patience is itself a practice in patience!
This is where community support makes all the difference. At Share The Struggle, we've seen how coaching provides the accountability and encouragement many Christians need to develop patience in life's challenging seasons. Our faith-based coaches understand the unique intersection of spiritual growth and emotional health, offering practical tools rooted in biblical wisdom.
Our Captive Thoughts coaching model specifically addresses those impatient thought patterns that fuel anxiety, frustration, and hasty decisions. By learning to identify these thoughts and bring them into alignment with Christ's truth, you can experience change from the inside out.
Whether you're navigating a difficult life transition, wrestling with relationship challenges, or simply wanting to grow in Christ-like character, our coaches walk alongside you with compassion and biblical insight. Learn more about our coaching services and find how professional support can help transform your waiting seasons into periods of meaningful growth.
Patience isn't just about waiting well—it's about becoming well through waiting. The destination matters, but God is often doing His deepest work in the journey itself. As you grow in patience, you'll find that what initially felt like frustrating delays were actually divine appointments for change.
In your path toward biblical patience, you're never alone. God's patient heart toward you never wavers, and with the right support, you can develop this powerful virtue one day at a time.
