READING: 1 Corinthians 12-14
“Love is patient and kind.”
1 Corinthians 13:4
Many of us know 1 Corinthians 13 because we’ve heard it read at weddings. Others of us have studied the chapter in our regular devotions, or we’ve heard pastors speak on the text. I have no idea how many times I’ve read it personally . . . but every time I read it, I realize again how poorly I illustrate the kind of love this chapter describes. In fact, I can’t get past even the first descriptors of love without feeling great conviction: “Love is patient and kind” (1 Cor. 13:4).
The word “patient” in this text suggests long-suffering with regard to people rather than to circumstance. It means a willingness to walk with others, putting up with differences while helping each other press forward appropriately. It does away with anger, and it instead ministers to others even when they are troublesome. It refuses to allow others to lead us into bitterness and apathy even when they attack us; instead, we illustrate God’s patient love through our forbearance with others.
Some scholars have noted that “patient” is the passive sense of love toward others—that is, we patiently put up with others at times—while “kind” may be the active sense of love toward them. We exhibit kindness by our actions, including when others first bring harm to us. That’s a supernatural kindness that we can explain only through the power of the Spirit living in us. Through Him, we give in kindness without expecting any benefit or payment in return.
As I said earlier, I still have much to learn in my walk with God.
ACTION STEPS:
- Be patient with someone today. Check your heart and your words.
- Show kindness toward someone today. Do acts of love toward others.
PRAYER: “God, help me to be patient and kind today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Corinthians 15-16
