Love is patient and kind

Reflections from the Pulpit

Posted 5/13/22

Dictionaries often define patience this way – the ability to endure difficult circumstances with a positive attitude...

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Love is patient and kind

Reflections from the Pulpit

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God tells us numerous times in His word to have patience. Dictionaries often define patience this way – the ability to endure difficult circumstances with a positive attitude and character, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. Patience allows us to endure hardship without being negative toward the situation or those involved in the situation. In addition and most importantly, it allows us to wait for God to work and solve problems in the way that only He can.

In the case of the patience, even the most humanistic thinkers of our time agree that patience is a positive character trait. What they fail to acknowledge; however, is that true patience can only come from someone who has the Holy Spirit living within them. The patience that we need is supernatural; grace based and is derived from God’s unconditional love. I Corinthians 13: 4-7 says, “(4) Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud (5) or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. (6) It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. (7) Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

The first and last description that God uses to explain love is patience. Patience cannot exist without love and love cannot exist without patience. It is interesting that the love of God, the same love that saved us from our brokenness, consists heavily of patience. In difficult circumstances where the solution lies outside of your understanding or abilities, ask God for the ability to patiently wait on Him for deliverance. This is at the heart of laying our cross down daily. This kind of godly patience will bring you the true desires of your heart. There is no better place to wait than in the loving arms of our heavenly Father who desires to give His children peace and goodness.

reflections, patience, love

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