We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

Romans 15:1

From Philip Ware:

“…friend of Jesus, have patience with those around you who are not yet what God intends for them to be — remembering that you are not yet all that God intends for you to be. As you “bear with” their “failings”, you may find that others are patient with your failings and are more thankful for your faithfulness than you realize. Of course, the goal of being patient isn’t to benefit ourselves. Instead, we do it to bless others, knowing that many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are hanging on to their faith, hope, and love by the thinnest of threads. Let’s never let them go and never cause them to stumble!”

Gentle Shepherd, give me more patience with those struggling and who need your strength and my encouragement. Forgive me for not noticing their struggles the way that you do. Help me show them how patient you are as you perfect them in your holiness. Thank you, O Lord, for your help in this area of my heart as I seek to bless my brothers and sisters with grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.