Day 5 — Patience

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

— Colossians 3:12 (BSB)

Where do you most need patience?

Maybe it’s waiting: waiting in a long line, waiting for your birthday, waiting for a slow video to load. Maybe it’s with people: a little brother who keeps bugging you, a classmate who takes forever, a friend who keeps making the same mistake. Maybe it’s with yourself, when you’re learning something hard and it’s just not clicking.

Patience means waiting without getting upset. It means putting up with things, and with people, without blowing up or giving up.

Paul says to “clothe yourselves” with patience. It’s like getting dressed in the morning. You don’t wake up already wearing your clothes. You choose them and put them on. In the same way, we can put on patience each day.

But look at who Paul is talking to: “the elect of God, holy and beloved.” Before he tells us what to put on, he reminds us who we are. Elect means chosen. You are chosen by God, set apart for Him and deeply loved. We don’t put on patience to become loved. We put it on because we already are.

And here’s the thing about patience: God has been incredibly patient with us. Think about how many times you’ve done the same wrong thing again and again. God didn’t give up on you. The Bible says the Lord is patient with us, not wanting anyone to be lost (2 Peter 3:9). He waits for us, forgives us and helps us grow, over and over.

When you remember how patient God is with you, it gets easier to be patient with others. That kid who annoys you? God is patient with them too. And with you.

Patience is a fruit, so it grows slowly (which takes patience!). Don’t be discouraged if you lose your patience sometimes. When you do, say sorry, ask God for help and put it back on.

Think about it: In what situation do you lose your patience most often? How has God been patient with you?

Try this: The next time you feel impatient today, take three slow breaths and silently pray, “God, help me be patient like You.”

Dear God, thank You for being so patient with me. Thank You that I am chosen and loved by You. Help me put on patience today, with people who annoy me, with things that take a long time and with myself. Grow this fruit in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.