"Love is Patient"

The first few themes of this series are based on 1 Corinthians 13. This ‘love chapter’ has three major sections. The opening powerfully illustrates that even supernatural acts, without love, are nothing. The ending tells how love will never fail. And in the middle, verses 4–7 list the characteristics of love. We often hear this famous passage at weddings — yet many miss the point that the Apostle Paul is not simply describing what love is, but also how it acts and what it does.

Love is a commonly spoken word in today’s world, yet its many uses and different meanings can create confusion. However, the Bible is quite clear: God is love. Note the ‘vertical aspect’ — love comes from God, not man! Love is powerful, motivating and at the core of our being. The Kendrick brothers contend that Christian love is built on two pillars — patience and kindness.

Let’s dig into verse 4a, “Love is Patient”, by looking at five aspects. First, patience slows anger. Instead of making things better, anger invariably creates more problems. When times are tough, responding with anger is like throwing gasoline on a fire.

Second, patience stops problems in their tracks. It helps you respond in a positive way to a negative situation. It clears the air, giving mercy and grace a chance to work. Patience is an intentional choice to control your emotions instead of allowing them to control you.

Third, patience is where love meets wisdom. Proverbs contains good examples of patience (see Proverbs 14:29, 15:18 and 19:11). Love recognizes that our spouse is human and like us, will fail at times. Ephesians 4:2 says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Fourth, patience does not come naturally, but is worth pursuing. Jesus was the perfect example of patience. Practicing it shows we submit to His way, not ours. When you face tough times, consider what your marriage might look like if you choose patience over anger.

Finally, patience implies a time factor. The love we see in Scripture does not come through quick fixes. It is a long, slow and rigorous process. I encourage you to view marriage as a lifelong process – as a marathon, not a sprint. To love well and weather the storms in your life, learn to cultivate patience. Pray that through the Holy Spirit, you may be filled with this righteous fruit.

God bless you and your marriage,
Fred