“The spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22,23).
Have your parents ever asked, “How many times do I have to remind you to <fill in the blank>?!”
Maybe they asked you 4,231 times to pick up your socks. Maybe you fought too many times with your brother. Or maybe you interrupt them when they are on the phone.
Over and over God tells us, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Over and over we worry anyway. The Bible tells us, “Your guilt is taken away”—and we keep feeling guilty for the sins he has forgiven. God tells us, “Be patient, bearing with one another in love”—and we keep fighting with each other.
Even though we can’t seem to get it right, God doesn’t say, “How many times do I have to remind you.” Instead, because of his love, we get to say, “I was treated with mercy so that Christ Jesus could use me, the foremost sinner, to demonstrate his patience. This patience serves as an example for those who would believe in him and live forever” (1 Timothy 1:16,17).
God doesn’t call us impatient and thickheaded; he simply gives us forgiveness and asks us to pass along his patience to others.
Chomp on this!
Work together to write a prayer that asks God to help you live patiently with each other.
