As God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another. —Colossians 3:12–13
When the apostle Paul begins to describe true, godly love in 1 Corinthians 13, he starts with “Love is patient.” Some translations say, “Love suffers long.”
Sometimes true love requires suffering, not just for the short term but over the long haul. This kind of patience means we don’t pay someone back when they hurt us, even when it’s in our power to do so.
This kind of love is slow to anger. It’s a kind of love that’s willing to be taken advantage of. It’s a love that’s concerned more for others than for how they affect our lives.
How is it possible to love someone that way? Because we love God. We can’t do it on our own; we can’t love others the way God intended us to love. But God can give us His love and let it flow through us to those around us.
When we’re filled with God’s love and it overflows with patience toward others, it’s evidence that we’re seeking Him.
Make it Personal
Spend time praying that God would empty you of yourself and fill you with the Spirit of Christ who is love.