Ministry tip for when your patience is wearing thin

Whenever we are tempted to get angry at those we serve, we need to stop and check our hearts. We are not better, not superior, not somehow higher. We just don't have the right perspective. We don't know the whole story.

That's why Colossians 3: 12-14 tells us "So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity."

All of those things God tells us to "put on" are ways we show love. It's not hard. We make it hard when we get selfish. Praise the Lord that He is patient with us! He died for us while we were yet sinners. He didn't wait to die for us until we were right, nice, kind, respectful, and loving in return.

So next time you run into a challenging person you are serving, remember when you came from. Remember those who were kind and patient towards you. And then take a deep breath, straighten your shoulders, and take a step toward those challenging people. God will give you the strength you need. And he will supply the rest you need at just the time you need it. Pray for the Lord to do a mighty work in those challenging people, just like he did you!