Be Patient

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12 NIV

Devotion:

Dad loved children and our friends respected him, so he often invited them to join us when we went to the beach. The first day of summer vacation arrived and excitement filled the air as we rushed around gathering items to take with us. Our thoughts were of salty air, sand, shells, ocean waves, and starlit nights.

We rode along the country road with the windows rolled down, hoping to feel a refreshing breeze. But not even the unbearable heat could keep us from singing the cheerful lyrics to Surf City by The Beach Boys. However, six kids eager to reach their destination, while crammed in a hot sedan, created the perfect condition to produce impatience in my dad.

Covered with sweat, we couldn’t wait to arrive at our destination, so every few minutes someone would ask, “How many more miles?” Between those questions, we sang, chatted, argued, and counted electrical poles or cars for entertainment. Our chatter went something like this.

“It’s taking forever! How much longer?”

Dad said. “We’ve just started. It will be another hour before we are there.”

“How close are we? Please turn on the radio?”

Dad said. “We’ll be there soon.”

“Turn the radio up. We can’t hear in the back.”

The loud chatter, laughter, or questions didn’t annoy him. He answered us calmly, remained loving, and never showed that our questions frustrated him.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

(1 Corinthians 13: 6-7 NIV)

We have a heavenly Father that welcomes our questions and showers us with His love. When we get exhausted, anxious, or troubled, God remains patient. Often, we act like children, expecting immediate gratification. He understands our frustrations. He continues to forgive us because His love is limitless, and he desires us to know Him intimately as our Father.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 93:9 NIV)

Prayer:

Your unmerited love astounds me, and I’m so grateful that your goodness never ends, regardless of my actions. I don’t deserve your compassion, yet you still extend forgiveness and overwhelm me with love. Regardless of how many times I sin, then return broken in spirit, crying out for compassion, you embrace and forgive me.

Your Turn:

In what way has God been patient with you?