Developing the Fruit of the Spirit in Your ChildSample

Patience 

By Lauren Miller

I jumped in the check-out line with only two people. But a credit card fell through the conveyer belt, leading to a longer wait. I glanced at another lady to exchange a “could she move any slower?” eye-roll. 

We all have those moments. Pride does a knockout job convincing us that the world revolves around our wants. We think the faster we get what we want, the happier we will be, even if it requires someone else’s time and energy.

Waiting is a simple but difficult struggle. The self-will fights tooth and nail against patience, but Paul tells us why patience is so important. It’s an attitude that reflects God’s love for His children. Paul begins the definition of love with the words, “Love is patient” (1 Corinthians 13:4). If love is patient, then we must teach children to be patient with those God calls us to love. 

For example, if your child pushes toward the front of a line or complains when others irritate her, turn her attention to consider the needs of others. Your instructions can be simple: “Jesus tells us to put other people before ourselves, so we are going to practice that right now.” Perhaps you could help your child memorize The Golden Rule, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Training children to wait for small wants in life will help them when long-suffering patience is required. This includes waiting on the will of God.

Prayer is a perfect platform to model patience with children. It gives them a chance to see your response when God doesn’t answer your prayers in the manner or speed you preferred. As you teach your children about God’s timing, you will see their relationships with God shape and grow. 

Finally, the best way to avoid raising children with “what’s in it for me” attitudes is by instilling contentment. Regularly remind your children of what they already have. At the end of the day, their desperate wants may not come. In those cases, contentment will save them from bitter impatience. While fighting discontentment is a struggle, instilling habits of patience will help your children love God and others more fully. 

For more help teaching patience read, “Stop Overindulging Your Children” on FamilyLife.com.