Years ago I was a camp counselor for some rebellious boys. I found it
challenging to deal with their behavior. They would mistreat the animals at the
petting zoo and occasionally fight among themselves. So I adopted a calm and
firm approach to leading them. And although they often exasperated me, I always
made sure their physical needs were taken care of.
Even though I had a kind and loving exterior, I often felt on the inside
that I was just “putting up with them.” That caused me to prayerfully reflect
on how a loving heavenly Father provides for His rebellious children. In
telling the story of the Israelites during the exodus, Paul said, “For a time
of about forty years [God] put up with their ways in the wilderness” (Acts
13:18). In Greek “put up with” most likely means to patiently provide for
people’s needs despite an ungrateful response.
Some people may not react favorably to our efforts to show care and concern.
When this happens, it may help to remember that God is patient with us. And He
has given us His Spirit to help us respond with love to those who are hard to
love or who are ungrateful (Gal. 5:22-23).
Give us Your patience, Lord, for anyone in our lives who is difficult to
love.
Be as patient with others as God has been with you. (RBC)
