Ministering Principles

Ministering with Patience

We can develop the ability to be more patient, in life and in serving others.

three women walking together

In 2 Corinthians 12:7–8, Paul tells of praying three times for “a thorn in the flesh” to be removed. But his prayer wasn’t answered by the challenge being whisked away. Instead, the Lord told him, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” Paul showed patience and faith in how he responded: “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (verse 9).

The Lord also taught Moroni that through the grace of Jesus Christ, we can learn and grow in strength: “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27).

Ministering with Patience

Like Paul, most of us have prayed for relief many times in our lives—sometimes many more than three times. Sometimes it’s the right time for that blessing to be given, and other times we, like Paul, are being taught and strengthened. At these times, we can learn patience and learn to wait on the Lord’s timing.

We need the Christlike attribute of patience as we minister too. We may minister to people who have a variety of challenges and levels of gospel understanding, and it takes patience and love to minister to people who may not be receptive.

woman with head raised

Photograph via Getty Images

Developing Patience

As we come to know the Savior, we will know better what He would do to minister in our place. How can we develop the Christlike attribute of patience?

• Recognize that mortal life is full of situations that try our patience and that it’s normal to feel frustrated at times. Remember that with practice and faith in the Lord, we can improve our reaction to stressful situations. Be patient with your efforts to be more patient!

• Ask God for help when you feel yourself struggling to be patient. A deep breath and a prayer can help bring calm and peace.

• Listening to spiritually uplifting music that brings a peaceful mood can help you work through feelings of impatience.

• Acknowledge the Lord’s timing in your life. Our will and desires should adjust to His timetable.

• Having patience is a mindset. Remember that feeling frantic or being in a constant state of hurry rarely improves our lives.

Ideas for Ministering with Patience

Sometimes our ministering task is to help others have patience through trials. Here are some ways we can help:

• Show the person or family that we love and care about them despite any challenge they are facing, even if they think, for whatever reason, that they are unlovable.

• Share experiences with them when you had to learn patience and that you relate to how difficult it can be. Help them feel that they aren’t alone if they feel impatient or frustrated.

• Pray for them to be able to have patience through difficult trials and let them know that Heavenly Father will hear their prayers so they can feel that strength.

• Be a listening ear when they need someone to talk to. Having an understanding friend is one of the best ways to endure a hard trial or situation.

Discover More

To find out how the lessons we learn from patience can cultivate our character, lift our lives, and heighten our happiness, read Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk “Continue in Patience,” Liahona, May 2010, 56–59.

Read about and listen to the beautiful song “Slow Down” (based on Psalm 46:10) that guest artist Sissel sang with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square: thetabernaclechoir.org.