5 Verses About Patience for Moms

I’m not gonna lie, I am a parent who really struggles with patience. I didn’t realize just how impatient I was until both of my kids became toddlers and had their own opinions about things lol. Not only do they have their own idea of what’s going on, but they’re a lot smaller than me and move at a much different pace!

Being a parent is a great way to be reminded to stop and slow down. We all started somewhere, and the things we know now are things we had to learn over time. It’s hard for me to remember that my kids don’t know some things unless I teach them.

And newsflash: getting upset and lashing out at your kids isn’t going to teach them, it’s just going to stress them out more.

There are times that my kids get so worked up and upset over something that I will get so frustrated and become irrational myself. I’ll sigh and yell and wonder “why can’t you just calm down??“ But I should really be asking myself that same thing!

Our kids observe everything we do. The way we handle our own emotions is how they will learn to handle theirs. It’s hypocritical to react in a childish way and expect the literal child to act like an adult!

So how can we do better?

Look inward

I’m not going to get into childhood psychology in this post (that’s for another time, but I mention a book about this topic in this post). Lots of people talk about childhood trauma, nature vs nurture, etc. Instead, let’s talk about the heart issue at hand.

We are all sinners and none of us are perfect. That’s why we need Jesus! When we are born again, we have the Holy Spirit who helps us bear good fruit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”

Galatians 5:22-25

And there are two more great things God has given us to help us be better people: prayer and scripture.

Prayer

I’ve found one of the best ways to focus more on being patient is by praying. I will pray for God to give me patience, or at least more opportunities to practice patience (which usually means more moments that test me lol).

But really, prayer works. I almost always find that I have more patience when I am actively praying for it. When I direct my mind and heart toward keeping in step with the Spirit on a regular basis, I act accordingly.

Scripture

Unfortunately, sometimes I get so stressed out about things that the thought of praying doesn’t always cross my mind. But God’s living Word can help with that!

There are so many passages about patience and other virtues. What helps me is saving them in a screenshot as wallpapers for my phone, or writing on sticky notes to hang around the house. Here are just a few that you can use as well!

1. Ephesians 4:1-3

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Ephesians 4:1-3

This verse, originally from the apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus, is great for encouraging us as moms to be patient and gentle while raising our children. While this passage has emphasis on unity within the body of Christ, it also shows how these traits are an example to our children.

We have been called to live in such a way that is pleasing to God, and practicing patience with others is one way to do that.

2. Proverbs 14:29

“Whoever is slow to anger [some translations say “whoever is patient”] has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”

Proverbs 14:29

I think we all can agree this advice is easier said than done! With age comes experience and wisdom, and as I’ve gotten older I’ve definitely found that verse is true. But it’s still easy to slip up sometimes, so it’s nice to have this verse on hand as a reminder!

3. Colossians 3:12-13

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Colossians 3:12-13

As Christians, there are virtues we must choose to embrace in order to live a godly life. I think one of the most toxic things I see perpetuated in secular mom communities is the idea that our children are obnoxious little gremlins that we secretly hate. God has given us the opportunity to be mothers, to experience the love between a parent and child, and to grow in patience and compassion.

Instead of complaining about our kids or blaming them for things, we should be patient with them and quick to forgive them as they are learning and growing.

4. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

This passage is most popularly quoted in wedding ceremonies and regarding marriage. While marriage is a covenant expressing love, motherhood is another. God shows us unconditional love, and gives us plenty of examples on how to show love to others so they can have a glimpse of the love he has for us.

We can love our children through patience and kindness, without being resentful and irritable. Obviously we will have times where we get super irritated at our kids or the situations we find ourselves in, but this passage is always a great reminder to shift our mindset.

5. James 1:19-20

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

James 1:19-20

These verses stress the importance of patience in communication and managing anger, which can be valuable in parenting. Have you ever heard of the saying, “you have two ears and only one mouth, so you should listen twice as much as you speak”? The more we stay calm and listen first, the wiser and more patient we will be.

Moving forward

These Bible verses can serve as reminders and sources of inspiration for moms as we navigate the challenges of parenting with patience and love. Being patient can be really hard, especially when you have little ones who just don’t understand everything yet.

But as Christians, we have tools to help us do better! With prayer and scripture and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do our best to be patient, kind, forgiving, and loving to our children.

What is a virtue you struggle with as a mom? Is patience a challenge for you? Let me know in the comments!

God bless,