Why is it difficult to be patient with yourself?

“You can be certain that what most assures us of perfection is the virtue of patience. If it is necessary to practice it with other people, then it is indeed fitting that we exercise it toward ourselves as well. In fact, people who aspire to a pure love for God need more patience with themselves than with others. We need to resign ourselves to enduring our imperfections so that we can arrive at perfection. I am saying that you should put up with imperfections—that does not mean you should cherish them or be fond of them—because humility grows through this suffering.” (St. Pio of Pietricina)

If it bothers you that you’ve made mistakes, praise the Lord and sit awhile with him until you feel his patience with you. Learn from the mistakes and see these lessons as extremely valuable. Forgive yourself so you can apply these lessons aptly.

If you feel remorse for sins you’ve committed, praise the Lord, go to the Sacrament of Confession, and ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you against temptations. Forgive yourself, because when God forgives you, who are you to say that he is wrong to do so?

© 2019 by Terry A. Modica