June | Patience
Patience is a gentle, long-suffering attitude toward others.
Patience brings peace and joy to our relationships.
Patience is a cornerstone in happy families.
Practicing patience is a deliberate choice.
Valuable Verses
“A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2
“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” Proverbs 15:18
A Word of Encouragement
Since we all struggle with sin, our relationships need patience in the same way an engine needs oil — without it, the friction will cause an explosion. This month we want to encourage you to practice patience. We all need this from time to time, start by practicing patience with just one person: your spouse, friend, co-worker, even that stranger in the store. Instead of impatience, anger, or annoyance, let’s be an example of how to respond with patience, kindness and love. Just as important, respond to our children with the same attitude in which God treats us. In Nehemiah 9:17-18 God forgave the Israelites, showing us that patience is a gentle, forgiving attitude toward someone — even in the face of blatant disobedience. Responding with patience isn’t easy. At times it will go against everything we’re feeling, but patience is worth all the hard work. It strengthens relationships, feeds our joy and ushers peace into our homes.
Get the Conversation Going
Take a moment to discuss these questions as a family:
• What situations make you feel impatient toward friends or family?
• What situations do you think would cause others to be impatient with you?
• Who is patient with you? How do you feel when that person acts patiently toward you?
• What are a few ways we can encourage patience toward each other this week?
Be sure to check the monthly activity page for age-appropriate ideas and ways to practice patience.
