Teaching Patience

Bible Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5

With a big sigh, Jenna dropped her books on the table and flopped into the chair beside her mother.

“Something wrong?” Mom asked, setting down her tablet.

“It’s Mila,” Jenna replied. “You know—that annoying girl in my class. I can’t help it—I just don’t like her at all.”

Mom nodded. “I know it can be hard to love some people, especially those who seem to make life more difficult, but Jesus loves them, and He wants us to love them too.”

“I know!” said Jenna. “But I don’t think I’ll ever be able to love Mila the way I’m supposed to.” She sighed. “God must be getting pretty annoyed with me.”

Mom laughed. “I don’t think God’s annoyed with you, honey. He’s always patient and loving with His children. Ask Him to help you remember that so you can treat Mila the same way. Dad and I will pray about it too.”

“Okay,” Jenna said with a sigh. “I just hope God doesn’t give up on me.” She stood up. “Can I make some chocolate chip cookies, Mom?”

“Sure,” said Mom. “Need any help?”

“Nope! I can handle it.” As Jenna got out the ingredients, her four-year-old brother burst into the kitchen. “Hey, buddy! Want to learn how to make cookies?” Jenna asked.

“Yeah!” Jalen jumped up and down in excitement.

“You know, Jenna, teaching Jalen to make cookies will take some patience,” Mom said.

“That’s okay,” said Jenna. “I’ll give him all the help he needs.”

“You won’t get annoyed with him and give up?” Mom asked.

“Of course not! I know he’s little and needs extra time to learn things.”

“Well, you don’t think God is less patient than you are, do you?” Mom asked.

“Um…no,” Jenna said, a bit confused.

Mom smiled. “Just like you’ll be patient with Jalen as you help him learn to make cookies because he’s your little brother and you love him, Jesus will be patient with you as you learn to love Mila. He loves you so much He died to save you! He’s not ever going to give up on you. Trust Him to help you learn and grow to be more like Him—no matter how long it takes.” – Rhonda Brunea

How About You?

Are you impatient with your spiritual growth? Are you frustrated that you find it difficult to show love to people or resist doing things you know are wrong? Don’t give up. Jesus knows you have a lot to learn. He loves you, and He won’t give up on you. Trust Him to be patient and give you strength as you learn to love others and live the way He wants you to.

Today’s Key Verse: Philippians 1:6 He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Trust God to be patient