Fruit of the Spirit: PATIENCE (devotional + lesson)

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The fruit of the Spirit PATIENCE includes a devotional you can use in a lesson, as well as a full fruit of the Spirit: patience lesson plan with a game, coloring page and other activities.

The Fruit of the Spirit is PATIENCE: a devotional

That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”

But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”

“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.

“Bring them here,” he said.

Matthew 14:15–18 NLT

There seem to be two kinds of people in the world: those who are always in a hurry, and those who are never in a hurry. The hurried person is already buckled into the car while their unhurried family member wanders around dreamily, forgetting that they were supposed to find their shoes. What kind of person are you?

In today’s Bible passage, Jesus didn’t seem to be in any hurry to go anywhere. He was in a remote place with his disciples and thousands of followers. But it was getting late and his disciples’ stomachs were probably grumbling. They were the kind of people with important schedules and no time for lunch.

If they’d had watches, they would have been tapping them, saying, “um, Jesus, it’s getting late! Send these people home!”  But instead of snapping at them or telling them to relax, he gave the disciples an impossible job.

I imagine them giving each other The Look and whispering, “Did he just say what I thought he said?” and “but that was supposed to be our supper!”

The disciples weren’t wrong. It really was late, and the logical thing to do was to shoo the crowds away, but Jesus patiently chose to serve and show his power. I’m so glad Jesus was patient with his disciples, because otherwise we might never have had this amazing miracle.

The disciples weren’t patient. But Jesus is always patient. He waited while the disciples gathered the tiny lunch that could get the party started then took the time to pray and pass out food to over 5000 people.

Looking at Jesus always shows us something true about God. He is patient with us, even when we don’t deserve it.

So when you keep making the same mistake over and over, God is patient with you. When you can’t seem to stop pestering your sister or telling lies or having grumpy days, God is patient with you. He isn’t in a hurry. God knows that as you keep listening to him, he’ll be able to help you change and grow the fruit of patience. 

And guess what? If God is patient with you, you can be patient with yourself too. Keep getting to know God and he will patiently help you stop making that same mistake.

A fruit of the Spirit: PATIENCE lesson plan for children

Use this fruit of the Spirit: PATIENCE lesson plan for Sunday School or at home!

1. INTRODUCTION:

SUPPLIES: drawing paper, pencils

Ask one child to draw a simple picture on a piece of paper, then hide it from everyone else. Next, ask that child to tell everyone else how to draw it. As they attempt to draw what is being explained, everyone will probably get a little frustrated.

SAY: Was that a little frustrating? I know someone who always has to deal with frustrating people. Let’s learn a little more about him.

2. The Fruit of the Spirit PATIENCE LESSON:

Help children look up and read Matthew 14:15-18, then share the devotional from above.

After, ASK: Who is the most patient person you know? When do you get impatient with yourself? What do you think God might want to say to people who are always impatient? Remind kids that patience grows when we get closer to Jesus, not just by trying harder.

3. PRAYER:

Jesus, thank you for your incredible patience with us. Please help us show patience to each other, and to ourselves. Amen.

4. PATIENCE ACTIVITIES:

• Invite kids to write Ephesians 4:2 in big block letters and post on their bedroom wall.
• Give children a piece of paper, and have them divide it in half. SAY: On one side, draw a picture of something that makes you impatient. On the other side, draw a picture of a way you make others impatient. Thank God for being so patient with you!
• Teach kids a breath prayer: As you breathe in, say “Jesus Christ, son of God” and as you breathe out, say “give me patience.”
• Make up a song about God’s patience (or put the memory verse to a tune.
• *As you share these activities, be sure to keep the conversation on the fruit of the Spirit PATIENCE gospel-based (meaning the power to grow in patience comes from the Holy Spirit, not from a try-hard, moralistic life).

A fruit of the Spirit: PATIENCE coloring page

Download and print this entire package of fruit of the Spirit coloring pages and activities, including this PATIENCE coloring page featuring Ephesians 4:2. This coloring page is available in 4 translations.

A PATIENCE game

Enjoy this fruit of the Spirit PATIENCE game of “pass the parcel”.

SUPPLIES: a container full of little treats wrapped in multiple layers of wrapping paper, plus one pair of mittens.

Then the kids there’s a wonderful treat inside for them, but first they’re going to have to open it together. Pass the wrapped gift around the circle, inviting each child to unwrap a layer of the gift until it’s open.

**Remember to keep the conversation gospel-centered. Instead of saying “let’s be patient with each other”, say “it’s hard to be patient with each other, isn’t it? I’m so glad Jesus has patience with us and can help us!”

See my other Fruit of the Spirit Lesson Plans here:

🍎 The Fruits of the Spirit for Kids: A Gospel-Centered Approach

🍊 The Fruit of the Spirit LOVE: lesson plan and activities

🍌 The Fruit of the Spirit JOY: lesson plan and activities

🍓 The Fruit of the Spirit PEACE: lesson plan and activities

🍏 The Fruit of the Spirit KINDNESS: lesson plan and activities

🍓 The Fruit of the Spirit GOODNESS: lesson plan and activities

🍑 The Fruit of the Spirit FAITHFULNESS: lesson plan and activities

🍋 The Fruit of the Spirit GENTLENESS: lesson plan and activities

🥝 The Fruit of the Spirit SELF CONTROL: lesson plan and activities

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