Every single family has moments when it’s just plain tough to get along.
A scary diagnosis, financial stress, trouble at school, conflict at home, or just general uncertainty about the future can leave hearts young and old feeling scared. Even children can carry fears they don’t always know how to express. In those moments, God gives families a powerful promise: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
That’s why God’s Word encourages us: “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another.”
Did you see how Paul describes these qualities as clothing? Just like the clothes we put on every day, Christians are called to “put on” things like compassion, kindness, and patience. These don’t come naturally to our sinful hearts. But they grow as we remember God’s love for us.
The greatest motivation for bearing with one another is the forgiveness we’ve received from Jesus. Paul writes, “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Think about how patient Jesus has been with us. He forgives our sins again and again. He doesn’t give up on us when we fail. Because Christ has shown us such amazing love, we can be forgiving and patient with others.
This doesn’t mean ignoring sin or pretending problems don’t exist though. It means treating one another with grace, speaking kindly, and being quick to forgive. Above all, Paul says, “put on love,” because love helps hold families together even during difficult moments.
As a family, ask God to help you reflect Christ’s patience and forgiveness in your daily relationships.
Discussion Questions for Younger Children
- What is one way someone in our family showed kindness to you this week?
- When someone annoys you, what’s a loving way to respond?
Discussion Questions for Older Children and Teens
- Why is it sometimes harder to be patient with family members than with friends or other people?
- How does remembering Jesus’ forgiveness help us forgive someone who has hurt or frustrated us?
