Read

Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Think

Patience in waiting is hard. Patience with people? Even harder.

Waiting on God at least makes sense—we trust he has a plan. But when you’re trying to be patient with people who are slow to change, hard to work with, constantly frustrating, or simply wearing you out, it feels like a different battle altogether.

Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:2 hit us right where it hurts: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” That phrase—bearing with one another—assumes it won’t be easy. You don’t have to bear with someone who always agrees with you, always encourages you, always thinks like you. You have to bear with the ones who test your limits, who challenge your grace, who cause tension more than harmony. And yet, this is the life we’ve been called to. Not a life of convenience, but of connection. Not a life of retreating from people, but of reflecting Christ to them.

That’s what makes this kind of patience different from passive tolerance. Biblical patience isn’t about gritting your teeth until someone gets it together. It’s about staying present, even when growth is slow. It’s about believing that the Spirit who’s still working on you is still working on them too. It helps to remember that God’s patience with you has never run out. His love has never said, “That’s one too many times.” He continues to correct, guide, forgive, and lead you—with a pace that matches your growth. He doesn’t shame you into change. He walks with you through it. And his Spirit invites you to do the same for others.

That doesn’t mean ignoring boundaries. Some relationships are toxic and need distance. But far more often, what wears us down isn’t abuse—it’s inconvenience. It’s the friend who talks too much, the coworker who’s hard to lead, the family member who doesn’t change as fast as we want them to. In those moments, the fruit of the Spirit becomes more than an idea. It becomes a practice.

This kind of patience reflects humility. It reminds you that you don’t know everything about someone’s story. That you’re not the expert on their pace of transformation. It softens your assumptions. It helps you show up with empathy instead of irritation. And often, your consistent patience becomes the very thing that creates space for change.

Here’s the secret: patient people are usually the most surrendered. They’re not trying to fix or control everyone else. They trust that the Spirit is big enough to do what they can’t. They don’t check out—they stay engaged. But they stop trying to be the Holy Spirit for someone else. They let God do what only he can do. And that kind of presence is rare. In a world full of pressure and judgment, patience creates oxygen. It lets people exhale. It reminds them they’re not a project—they’re a person. It reminds them they’re not alone in the process.

So today, take inventory. Who in your life has God placed in front of you—not to fix, but to love with patience? Where are you being called to slow your expectations, soften your tone, or stay longer than comfort would prefer? Patience with people is never wasted. Even when you don’t see change right away. Even when it’s hard. Because love that lasts always takes time.

Apply

Think of one person who’s been testing your patience—at work, at home, in your circle. Do something for them today that requires no return: a kind word, an unexpected encouragement, a slowed-down response. Not because they’ve earned it, but because you’ve received it from God—and now you get to pass it on.

Pray

God, thank you for never losing patience with me. You’ve walked with me gently, even when I’ve been slow to grow. Help me reflect that same love to the people around me. Teach me to bear with others in love – not out of duty but out of grace. Grow in me a patient heart that stays present, even when it’s hard. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

‍