Patience

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“Love is very patient, …” 1 Corinthians 13v1 (TLB)

Recently, I began to ponder on why the first attribute called out about love in 1 Corinthians 13 is patience. It could have been any other thing, but the Lord chose to begin with patience. Synonyms for patient include enduring, tolerant, uncomplaining, unwearied, long-suffering and serene. Interestingly enough, we feel loved when we perceive someone endures us, is tolerant of us, isn’t always complaining and finding fault with us, is long-suffering and not wearied or tired of us. God loves us immensely and would have us love Him and others. His love for is exhibited in His patience and is one reason why He delays the return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His people. 2 Peter 3v9 (NIV) says “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” There is a tendency for us to be more understanding of ourselves and less so of others. But God will have us be patient toward all men. 1 Thessalonians 5v14 (KJV) says “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men” while 2 Timothy 2v24 (KJV) as well says “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.” In our relationship with the Lord as well, our patience in waiting for Him reflects our love for Him. James 5v8 (TLB) says “Yes, be patient. And take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near” while 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (AMPC) says “May the Lord direct your hearts into [realizing and showing] the love of God and into the steadfastness and patience of Christ and in waiting for His return.”

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your Word. We thank You for Your goodness and Your love. Thank You for Your patience towards us o God. We pray that indeed our hearts will be directed into realizing and showing the love of God and into the steadfastness and patience of Christ and in waiting for His return in Jesus name, amen.