Patience isn’t just about waiting—it’s about trusting God in the waiting. In this five-day reading plan, discover how Jesus modeled patience in every situation: with his friends, with people who were different from him, and even with those who didn’t believe. Through real-life examples and meaningful Scripture, you’ll learn how to practice patience in your own life, trusting God’s timing and reflecting his love to others.
LCBC Church
Day 1
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23
What Is Patience?
God made each person in a unique and perfect way. When we trust Jesus and begin following him in our daily lives, he helps us to grow to become more like him—through things like showing kindness, joy, and patience. But what is patience? Does it just mean waiting for something?
Patience isn’t just about waiting for our birthday to come or our dessert to be ready. Patience can also look like trusting God when we’re hoping for something to happen or showing love and kindness to others even when it’s hard. Over the next few days, we’ll learn more about what patience looks like and how to become more patient!
Discussion Questions
- What is something amazing God gave you?
- When is a time you found it hard to wait?
- Have you ever found it hard to be patient with another person? What did you do?
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for giving us patience through the Holy Spirit. Help us to trust you and grow more like you every day. Amen.
Day 2
Scripture: Luke 22:24-27
Jesus Was Patient with His Friends
In this story, Jesus’ disciples, some of his closest friends and followers, argued with him. When this happened, Jesus didn’t lose his cool. He gently reminded them of what matters most—serving others. Jesus showed his friends patience by staying calm and not yelling or arguing. He did this even when they were not showing kindness and patience with him! What an amazing thing for Jesus to do!
Discussion Questions
- When was a time someone was patient with you?
- Who is someone you can be patient with?
- How can you be patient with them?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for being patient with us, even when we don’t get it right. Help us to be patient with our friends and family too. Amen.
Day 3
Scripture: John 4:1-5
Jesus Was Patient with People Who Were Different Than Him
In the book of John, we hear a story about Jesus and a woman at a water well. The woman at the well was a Samaritan, a person that was different than Jesus. Many people did not like or talk to Samaritans. Instead of ignoring the woman, Jesus talked to her and asked her to help him get a drink. Even when she told him who she was, he continued to talk to her and share how much God loves her! It changed her life, and she trusted him!
Whether it is a new kid at school, someone not following the rules in a game, or a person waiting impatiently in a line, we need to be patient with people who aren’t like us. This story tells us that we can go to Jesus, and he can help us to be patient with others, no matter who they are!
Discussion Questions
- Is there someone you know that it is hard to be patient with?
- What is one way you can show patience with this person?
- How do you think having patience with someone different than you will make them feel?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help us be more like you. Show us how to stop, listen, and care for others with patience and kindness. Amen.
Day 4
Scripture: John 20:24-29
esus Was Patient with People Who Didn’t Believe
Three days after Jesus died, something amazing happened….he came back to life! While some people were celebrating this amazing news, others didn’t believe it. Jesus’ friend, Thomas, was one of them. Instead of getting mad that Thomas didn’t believe him, Jesus showed him love and patience. Even when we don’t believe Jesus, he still loves us and shows us patience. This means we can show love and patience to those that don’t know Jesus yet.
Discussion Questions
- How does it feel when someone doesn’t believe you?
- How did Jesus act when his friend didn’t believe him?
- What can you do to show someone patience when they don’t believe something you say or do?
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for being patient with us when we have doubts or questions. Help us to trust you more and be patient with others who are still learning. Amen.
Day 5
Scripture: James 1:4
Keep Going, Even When It’s Hard
Patience helps us grow strong on the inside. It’s not always easy, but God uses those hard moments to help us become more like Jesus. When someone is difficult to be around, when something exciting is happening but we must wait, and when someone doesn’t believe us, we can practice patience. When we do this, we are showing Jesus we love and trust him!
Discussion Questions
- What can you do next time you need to show someone patience?
- Who is someone you can share Jesus’ love and patience with?
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for helping us when things are hard. Give us strength and patience to keep going and growing closer to you. Help us to tell others about your love and patience. Amen.