Greek = makrothumia. Longanimity, forbearance, fortitude.

Introduction: "I am actually excited at these opportunities to suffer for His sake if it means I can increase my capacity to praise God in the process. Maybe it sounds glib or irresponsible to say that. Yet, I really do feel my paralysis is unimportant. Circumstances have been placed in my life for the purpose of cultivating my character and conforming me to reflect Christ-like qualities. And there is another purpose. Second Corinthians 1:14 explains it in terms of our being able to comfort others facing the same kinds of trials." — Joni Eareckson Tada

1. Which sport, in your opinion, takes the most patience? Why?
   
   
2. Read Hebrews 6:11-15. Abraham was patient. Talk about how his story (Genesis 21:5) inspires you to be patient. What other Bible figures strike you as being patient?
   
   
3. Read James 1:2-4 and James 5:7-8. What do these verses tell us about the rich benefits of patience?
   
   
4. Read I Peter 2:18-24. No one, of course, was more patient on earth than Christ. Reflect on His suffering and talk about how you might be able to live in the spirit of these verses.
   
   
5. Think about that person in the FCA Huddle who tests your patience the most. Please do not identify that person in public. Rather, take a minute right now to lift up that person in prayer.

Memory verse: "This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus." — Revelation 14:12

Conclusion: "A young father became noticeably more patient with people after a little girl came into their home who was seriously retarded mentally and handicapped physically. The doctors told the father and mother that she would be with them for only a few years. She lived to be six years old. In those brief years as he suffered with her, she worked her way into his heart and life to an unusual degree. As he reached out in tenderness to her, his heart became more and more tender toward all and particularly toward those who suffered. He may not have been conscious of the change that took place in his life, but his friends were definitely aware of it. Needless to say, patience comes only to those who react wisely or rightly to suffering." — T.B. Maston