1 Corinthians 13.1
“Love is patient and kind …”
Paul now describes the character of Spirit-empowered agape love. He doesn’t describe how love feels; rather, he describes what love does. True love is always demonstrated by action. “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3.18)
The first character attribute of love is patience. This is not a surprise, as both love and patience are found together in many places in the NT. Both love and patience are included in the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.
We see the combo again in Ephesians 4, where the apostle Paul instructs us 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, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1–3).
Unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced society and self-centered culture, patience is quickly disappearing. As love decreases, so does patience. The people of God, on the other hand, should be a model of patience. Why? Because love compels us.
The message in scripture is clear: If you don’t have love, you won’t be patient.
Patience — and the focus and perseverance that come with it — are essential disciplines for the followers of Christ. The consequences of impatience are devastating. It will damage a marriage, derail a project, destroy a plan, and stunt spiritual growth.
Is there some area of your life where you are impatient? It could be toward a person you work with (or live with). It could be toward a plan or a project you are working on. It could be toward a process you are trying to implement (or change). It could be toward a particular situation you are dealing with. Whatever it might be, is there some area in your life where you are impatient and your focus is drifting, your motivation is diminishing, and your energy is declining?
If so, it is a love problem. The Spirit is calling you to operate in love and be patient and persistent. He is calling you to refocus your mind and rekindle your motivation for solving the problem or resolving the issue or reaching out to the person.
Let us walk in the Spirit, operate in love, and be patient.
