Patience Flows From Empathy
Scripture:
Proverbs 19:11 – “A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.”
Devotional Thought:
One of the reasons we lack patience with people is because we don’t take time to understand them.
We’re quick to react. Quick to judge. Quick to write people off.
But Proverbs reminds us: patience comes from insight. And insight requires empathy.
Empathy is the ability to see beyond someone's actions and imagine what they might be feeling. What pain they carry. What pressure they’re under. What story you don’t know.
Jesus didn’t just react to people’s sin. He felt their pain. He knew their wounds. And His response was always full of grace and truth.
If you want to grow in patience, grow in empathy. Ask questions before casting judgment. Seek understanding before assigning blame. Feel for others the way Jesus does.
Reflection Questions:
- Who have I been impatient with recently—and why?
- What might they be going through that I haven’t considered?
- How can I show them the compassion Jesus would?
Prayer:
Jesus, teach me to see people the way You see them. Give me insight into their hearts so I can respond with patience, not frustration. Fill me with compassion for those I don’t understand, and help me love even when it’s difficult. Amen.