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Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?" John 10:32

Teachers must have a lot of patience. As they try to educate and instill good practices among their students, they seem to always be faced with those who turn a deaf ear or doubt what they have to say. Yet they continue on with each new student, each new class, knowing there will be those who choose not to listen, read their assignments, nor do the work necessary to learn and grow. 
Jesus must have felt this way often.  I can just picture him throwing up his hands and thinking "What must I do to get these people to understand?"  He spent his entire life teaching, healing, and transforming lives in his Father's name.  Yet people still doubted him right up until his death on the cross.
We are often challenged for our beliefs, for what we say and our faithful actions. Are we to throw up our hands and give up? Honestly, I sometimes feel that way. But it is in those moments of doubt and exasperation that I turn to Jesus and remember his passion. There will always be those who try to undermine our Godly mission. Take a tip from your favorite teacher. Stay patient. Teach lovingly. And continue to share His word. 

Recall a time when someone took the time to teach you something valuable. How did that make you feel?

Lord, grant me patience and strength. Help me to teach others about your great mercy and love. 

Hosea 11:1-2

When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. But the more I called them, the farther they went from me.

I have two children.  I love them more than words can express.  I try my best to do for them what is in their best interest.  I give them everything I can.  Feed, clothe, shelter, protect. Yet, despite my words, they continue to test me, to push the envelope, to do things that might put them in harm's way.  "'Why don't they listen?'," I exclaim to my wife.  It can be very frustrating.  If they're young, they might not understand, but in the teenage years, they know a bit more about right and wrong.  But they still may not understand why I'm as demanding as I am. 

God thinks the same of all of us.  He has given us everything, yet in our sin, we continue to test God.  In fact he gave so much, including his own son for our sins.  Yet we still take advantage of his goodness.  Woe to us.  But we can do better.  We HAVE to do better.  In our own lives, we need to slow down and be patient with one another.  This includes not only our children, but of our spouse, friends, coworkers and everyone else we meet.  Social media and daily traffic are two areas in our lives where we don't practice patience as we should.  In your daily actions, when things are not going right and frustration sets in, take a breath and pray for a moment of patience.  I think you might be surprised at the results!