Listen to this devotion
Patience and Forgiveness
In the Word
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).
Of the Word
Providing physical care for a loved one who is sick, disabled, or injured is a very difficult task. Many patients are not easy to care for. They can be cranky, demanding, or abusive and may not even be aware of the pain and discontent they are causing for the caregiver.
Sometimes I act the same way with God, even using prayer to make demands of Him. Then I must confess my sinfulness and selfishness to God. I can be sure of His forgiveness each and every day. He is patient with my shortcomings, my crankiness, and my impatience.
How can I respond to my sick and hurting loved one? St. Paul writes, Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13b). Only by God’s grace can I forgive and patiently continue the role of caregiver. Will that be easy? Maybe not. But God will be my strength. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).
Walking with my Lord
Dear Lord, forgive me when my patience wears thin and I want to lash out in anger and dismay. Calm me and strengthen me so that I can serve You with a loving heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Dianna Jenkins. 22/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
