Patience with Parents

Fruit of the Spirit - Patience

We are continuing our devotionals with the spirit of PATIENCE. Our first devotional is from Charmaine, one of our senior high small group leaders. Patience with people can be hard especially with family members. Read on to see what Charmaine has to say about being patient with her family -- specifically parents 

Patience with Parents - Charmaine Ma (Emmaus Leader)

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about patience and how to show patience to the people around me. In Ephesians 4:2, God calls us to “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” However, it’s not always easy.

Do you find that it’s easier to be patient with a friend or even a stranger than it is to be patient with your parents? I’ve definitely felt that way. I feel so comfortable with my family that I don’t always think before I speak and just say what comes to mind. But I’ve realized that the things I say or the way I say things can be hurtful, even though I didn’t mean it that way. After a long day at work, it’s easy to be short-tempered with my parents and get frustrated over insignificant things. I know I do this, so I make an effort to be more patient and understanding. James 1:19 says: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”. This verse is a good reminder of how we can show patience to the people around us.

Take some time to think about how you act around your parents. Are you patient with them? How can you show patience to the people around you?