Patience For Others

Jesus teaching in the Temple

“and the second one is like unto it, thou

shalt love thy neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 (KJV)



“Do unto others as you would have

others do unto you” Golden Rule. Luke 6:31 (KJV)



As we transact our daily business we pass people who look peaceful and seem happy. But are they? Given this economy, they may have someone in their family who is unemployed. They might have a relative who is seriously ill. Or they, themselves, could be without work or have received a bad medical report. Their marriage may be in trouble or their family may be close to homelessness.

We see people in church and we don’t know what’s on their hearts. Our time with them is a few hours a week, during this time our focus is on worship and our relationship with God, as it should be.

When we hear of a friend or relative who experiences times of difficulty and uncertainty, we need to remember when we have had hard times and respond with love and patience. Sometimes all we can do is pray for their need. Other times we can provide acts of solace, a listening ear, a kind word, or a sympathetic heart.

A saying that comes to mind is “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” None of us knows what will happen to us or ours in the future. We may have some difficult lessons to learn before we depart this earth and enter Heaven.

We can all do better about being kind to others. Some ways I have found to show people they are valued are to send a greeting card, be it a get well thought, or a thinking of you note, to someone on my prayer list. When Hubby and I went to see our son, I sent a few post cards-one to a young girl whom I sponsor, another to a cousin who had gone through a very serious health crisis. Just a phone call to ask if a friend had a nice Mother’s Day/any holiday can brighten up another’s day.

If a friend is having a rough time with life, we need to remember to be kind, friendly, and patient with them because next week or next month we might be the one needing someone to listen to us, to help us through a difficulty.