Love is Patient

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Image courtesy of streamishmc @flickr.Do you have a favourite day of the week? If you do, I’d guess that Mondays wouldn’t be your top choice. For most, Monday is the beginning of another hard week at work. But the beginning of the week presents us with the opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to put away our failings of last week and to resolve to do better this week.

As we begin this week, why not reflect on Jesus’ words in Mark’s gospel, chapter twelve, when he states that one of the greatest commandments is to love your neighbour as yourself.

Have you stopped to wonder what it means to love your neighbour? In chapter thirteen of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians he describes the characteristics of love. The first is that love is patient.

In the whirl of twenty-first century life patience is often in short supply. When our train arrives late, or our computer won’t start, or a colleague is late for a meeting, we can be quick to anger and hatred may build up within us. When things don’t go smoothly we can sometimes feel anger and frustration bubbling up within us, just waiting to explode.

This is not the way that we are called to be. Patience is a characteristic of love which should not just be evident to those around us, but should flow out of us towards all whom we encounter. According to Psalm 145, ‘The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love’. We should aspire to emulate this.

I pray that we might be full of patience today and in the week ahead.

As featured on Premier Christian Radio’s ‘Inspirational Breakfast’.

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Listen to this reflection/download Podcast:

Crossring: God's Word Today.
Crossring: God's Word Today.
Love is Patient
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