February 1

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another, according to Christ Jesus. — Rom 15:5

Let patience have her perfect work. — Jas 1:4

Make me patient, kind, and gentle,
Day by day;
Teach me how to live more nearly
As I pray.
—SHARPE’S MAGAZINE.

The exercise of patience involves a continual practice of the presence of God; for we may be come upon at any moment for an almost heroic display of good temper, and it is a short road to unselfishness, for nothing is left to self; all that seems to belong most intimately to self, to be self’s private property, such as time, home, and rest, are invaded by these continual trials of patience. The family is full of such opportunities. —F. W. FABER.

Only as we know what it is to cherish love when sore at some unkindness, to overmaster ourselves when under provocation, to preserve gentleness during trial and unmerited wrong,—only then can we know in any degree the “manner of spirit” that was in Christ.
—T. T. CARTER.