We wouldn’t be going out on a limb to say that patience is not something that’s coded into human nature. 

Seriously, it’s so much easier to just do what feels natural (or even crash out) than it is to wait and hear from God, especially when the situation around us is challenging.

It’s infinitely easier to write people off and give up… but that is not God’s way.

Instead, He calls us to patience. And here are three ways we can begin exercising that today in our lives and ministries.

1. Give the benefit of the doubt

Real love bears with others and believes the best of them (1 Corinthians 13:7).

That means hoping in them, and choosing to see the best of them, especially when it’s not easy to.

Remember that we are in the ministry of winning people to Christ, not writing them off.

That doesn’t mean you should be gullible, unwise or a pushover.

Please the Lord instead by being slow to anger, and restraining your tongue. Wait before jumping to judgments and conclusions.

Make sure you have all the facts before acting with wisdom, love and grace.

2. Be willing to wait for growth

It can be frustrating when people don’t grow spiritually, despite all the time and resources we pour into their lives as leaders.

But before you issue ultimatums, throw tantrums or write them off – remember how Jesus led.

Jesus had patience for those he taught, like His disciples and the crowds he spoke to, who often found it hard to understand what was being preached.

He had patience for Peter, even though He already knew would Peter would deny Him three times. And He had patience for Thomas, meeting him where he was instead of giving up on him.

We must be patient with others, simply because Jesus was patient with us first.

3. Choose patience when things get tough

Be patient in affliction. While our present circumstances might not necessarily compare to the afflictions of the apostles, we still face pain and brokenness in life and ministry.

And when we do, it’s not always easy being told to “wait” or “hang in there”.

Maybe you’re leading cell group to the only two members who bothered to turn up.

Or there just hasn’t been enough volunteers and you’re physically tired of filling in.

Perhaps you have been misunderstood by others, and your heart aches.

Be patient. Get through this weekend by relying on the Lord, then ask Him to give you wisdom to navigate these challenging situations. Don’t grow weary of doing good, for in due season you will reap if you do not give up.

If God is speaking to you today, would you make this prayer with us?

Holy Spirit,

How I need You today. I ask that You would begin to grow the spiritual fruit of patience within me. I desire to be patient with myself, my circumstances and others – just as Christ is patient with me.

Help me to slow down and give others the benefit of the doubt. Make me someone who hopes in others and does not write them off – someone who is willing to wait for the growth You will give in Your time. Strengthen my soul to choose patience when things get tough, for I am placing my whole trust in You.

Help me to follow Your ways. I give You all the praise, praying these words in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.