Day 4 · Strength for Caregivers
Compassion and Patience
“Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance.”Colossians 3:12
Reflection
Long caregiving can wear compassion thin and fray our patience. Paul tells us to put on these graces — to ask God to clothe us each morning with what the day will require. We will not always feel patient or tender; we put them on by grace, especially when our own supply runs low. And on the days we fail, the God who chose us is patient with us too.
A prayer
Father, some days my compassion runs dry and my patience wears thin. Clothe me afresh this morning with a tender heart, kindness, and perseverance for the one I care for. Where I have been short or weary, forgive me and renew me. Thank You that You are endlessly patient with me, even as I learn to be patient with others. Amen.
Carry this with you
Which grace — compassion, patience, gentleness — do you most need God to clothe you with today?