Love is Patient (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4

Normally, I cover several verses in one devotional. But 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 need a more in-depth review, so for the next 14 days, we’re going to take a closer look at Paul’s descriptions of love. I know these words are read at engagement parties and weddings, and I don’t know about you, as I read these words, I’m somewhat—make that I’m a lot—overwhelmed. How in the world can anyone be all that Paul described?

The only person I know who manifested every one of them was Jesus—is Jesus. So let’s look at how Jesus was love. And let’s think about how we can love just a little more like He does.

Love is patient.

Oh dear. Do we have to start here? Patience isn’t necessarily the fruit of the Spirit I manifest most often. But Jesus is indeed patient, and we can be as well when we remember that this life is temporary. What happens here is temporary. What we have is temporary. Eternity with Jesus should be our focus.

Think about it. Why are we impatient? Because we want something right now. We want that job. That relationship. That car. That house.  Now.  And when we don’t get it in our timing, according to our plan, we get a bit upset—to put it lightly.

We can’t love—certainly not as Christ did—when we’re feeling impatient.

I think patience has a lot to do with trust. If I trust God, I can patiently wait on His timing, knowing He’ll work everything according to His plan (Romans 8:28). If I trust someone, patience comes relatively easy because I know she has my best interests at heart. I trust my husband, so I can be patient even if he isn't moving as quickly as I like.

Be patiently loving today, just as Christ is. Those you love may be pleasantly surprised!