Love is patient.
— 1 Corinthians 13:4A —
Aleksey P. | Russia
In the New Testament, several words are used to communicate the idea of bearing up under difficulties. The word Paul uses here is one of those. When he begins his description of true love and says it is patient, he means more than most of us realize. More than the simple idea of patience, Paul uses a word that means to suffer long—hence, the idea of bearing with and bearing up under difficulties. The word also means slow to anger. Are you patient only when everything is going according to plan and when relationships are easy? This word then describes the ability to refrain from getting angry over the shortcomings and blunders of those around you. What does this look like in practice? First, in an open heart with a person who doesn’t nitpick and is not annoyed by people’s shortcomings. This is someone who is large-hearted with people, who makes relationships easy and pleasant. Second, this looks like a readiness to endure an injury suffered. You endure and bear with whatever wrong has been suffered and certainly do not respond in retaliation. In view of understanding this term—patience—stop and reflect on your life and actions. Are you patient only when everything is going according to plan and when relationships are easy? What happens when you suffer a wrong? What is your first response? Would those close to you consider you open-hearted, someone who is slow to get angry? If not, take a moment and reflect on the Lord Jesus Christ and the many times in the Gospels He perfectly exemplified that love is patient. Ask Him for grace to be patient in the same way.
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