READING:
One-year plan: Psalm 120-129, 1 Corinthians 13:1-14:25
Two-year plan: 2 Samuel 3, Luke 22:47-62
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“Love is patient.” You’ve likely heard these words before, perhaps most often at weddings. They’re words from the love chapter—1 Corinthians 13—in today’s reading. These words have often stretched me because I’m naturally an impatient person. I don’t like lines, and I don’t like waiting. I sometimes want things done yesterday.
At the same time, though, that’s not the best understanding of “love is patient” in this chapter. Rather, the wording refers to being patient with others—particularly those who offend us. As one writer put it, “It signifies that one is slow in avenging and slow in becoming angry. It demonstrates a willingness to take someone’s unpleasant character traits in stride and to exhibit enduring patience.”* It is to be long-suffering even when we have been hurt. It is to be patient with people rather than to be patient with circumstances.
Frankly, I’m glad God loves me with this kind of love. I’m grateful He is patient with me.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you love others with a patient love?
DAILY PRAYER: “Give me, God, Your heart for others—including those who try my patience.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Psalm 130-136, 1 Corinthians 14:26-15:19
Two-year plan: 2 Samuel 4-5, Luke 22:63-23:5
*Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the First Epistle to the Corinthians (Vol. 18, p. 458). Baker Book House.