Love is Patient

Growing up, I was a very impatient child like most are. I remember my dad saying to me, “If you want more patience, you’re going to have to wait.” I think he said that with a tongue in cheek tone, but I don’t think he realized how deeply rooted in Scripture that joke was or how well it aged and taught me about the fruit of the Spirit I’ve struggled the most with having in my life.


There is great strength in patience. Patience is the ability to see beyond yourself and your feelings directly into the heart, intentions and desires of another. It’s setting aside any offense in your heart, any selfishness, any control, your own timeline and plans, and just...wait. Patience is great empathy and great love. In the Bible, patience and love are almost always very closely intertwined. You can’t have patience without love. It’s an understanding and kind expression of love. 1 Corinthians 13:4 says, “Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; it is not arrogant.” Ephesians 4:2 says, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”


It’s so easy to become impatient with people, but we must not give into our flesh. Allowing ourselves to be impatient with others is not love because love is not selfish, and love is patient. If you’re praying for someone, keep praying and keep being patient and keep showing them the kind of love God called us to have for one another. Keep showing them the kind of love and patience God continually shows you.


God is love, and love is patient. God created us in His image, and He already is everything He called us to be. He is so patient. When we go through seasons of doubting Him or being angry with Him, He doesn’t forsake us, He waits for us. He waits for us to turn around and to return home. His faithfulness and patience with us is a gift we receive daily.


Ask yourself these questions today:

1. How can I love my friends/family/coworkers/church family/community with a Godly love?
2. How can I express this love through patience?
3. Is God waiting on me right now? What areas in my heart do I need to examine and bring to Him in prayer?