Walking in Patience: The Fruit of the Spirit 7-Day Bible-Reading Plan by Kenneth Copeland MinistriesSample

Patience in the Family

Patience goes a long way in a marriage and in parenting. In fact, it is an essential ingredient in a successful family environment.

Marriage brings two imperfect people together as one, and if you’re married, you know it takes work! Patience on your part will do wonders for your relationship. Whenever you’re tempted to be irritated with your spouse’s habits or failings, be patient instead. Turn your attention toward their good qualities. Then, focus on ways you can become a better husband or wife. (There’s plenty to work on in both parties!)

Work to respond in love to your spouse. That doesn’t mean you don’t share your feelings—open communication is vital to a healthy relationship. But when you do, do so with love and patience, not animosity.

The same is true with children. Love will always involve discipline and correction, but these should always be done with patience and love. Little ones and teenagers, in particular, require a special grace. Ask God to help you to be a patient parent and work to develop the fruit of patience in your parenting. In modeling this for your children, you’ll find they respond better to you and will naturally display patience themselves.

God shows so much patience to each one of us, and it blesses Him when we share that patience with those around us. If you find you’ve been impatient with your spouse or children, spend this week focusing your prayer and quiet time with the Lord on developing the fruit of patience in your family. It’s an investment worth making.

Did you enjoy the Walking in Peace: The Fruit of the Spirit devotional? If so, you might like Gloria Copeland’s newest book, Walking in the Fruit of the Spirit, which goes even deeper. Download a FREE sample chapter HERE.