Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Fathers tend to be the ones that aren’t as patient, so Paul gives this warning. Don’t exasperate your kids. They are to raise their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. God has been patient with us. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” God has waited a lifetime for some. He is patient. The parents should recall that and be patient with their children.
Patience is one of the lessons we all learn. God wants us to have it. To be patient is to be godly. The impatient can wound those near them. This mars a child. The snapping of a temper hurts and breeds a poor self-image. One of the psychologists (Dr. Fairbairn) expounds on this wound. He speaks of the harsh object inflicting pain on the child. In time, the harsh object doesn’t need to be present. The child carries that memory inside and repeats the harshness to oneself even when alone. Unfortunately, the child is in turn harsh with others. That is the repeating of generational cycles.
Fathers are to have the fruit of the Spirit, “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”, (Galatians 5). Fathers are to be gentle and kind. Those traits are more common when older. Grandparents more commonly exhibit those. As a father walks with Christ, he gains that fruit.
Jesus modeled patience. Those not in Christ may see Jesus holding a lamb and miss His confrontive side. He cleansed the temple; He was strong against those that were misleading Israel. But those that needed patience and care got it. The woman at the well, the adulterous woman and the rich young ruler all got it. He gives that to us, when needed.
Isaiah 42:3 says, “A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.” All of us have been bruised reeds. Who cares about a bent stick? God cares for us when we are weakened. He is gentle with us and mends us. All our areas of hurt He mends. It takes time. He uses caring people, and the Holy Spirits comforts us.
There is a phrase, “Hurt people, hurt people.” Sometimes those that need our patience act rudely. It can be difficult to show them care. The Holy Spirit gives us insight as well as patience to help the hurting. I can recall a Last Days Ministry painting that was titled, “Who Cares?” It was an island in a stormy sea. Many are in the water needing rescue. Some on the dock are listening to music or being entertained. While others are in rescue boats and reaching over, jeopardizing themselves to help. So, being kind to those who need it can sting. Lord, help us to be strong in our caring.
Lord, help us to be patient with others. You have been so patient with us. Help us to do so.