Wait For It

1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

Ecclesiastes 7:8 “Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.”

Think

Patience sits right at the top of the "What Is Love?" list! It's a virtue that requires some serious effort. Let's face it, most of us struggle with impatience. It's in our human nature —we want what we want, and we want it now! But here's the thing: selfishness is at the root of these sinful tendencies. Without Jesus, our lives revolve around ourselves.

But true love? It's all about seeking the happiness of others. Love is patient, it puts aside selfish desires. It finds joy in making others happy—whether it's God or our neighbors. You see, patience isn't easy. It requires faith and humility. It means trusting that even when things don't go our way, God is still in control and working everything out for our good.

Patience isn't about being permissive or passive. It doesn't mean we ignore sin or injustice. Instead, it's about trusting God to handle everything with perfect justice. So, we don't need to fly off the handle or take matters into our own hands. We can wait patiently because we know that God's got it all under control.

Ultimately, love is patient because God himself is patient! And that's a beautiful reminder for us as we strive to love others the way he loves us.

Apply

Read Philippians 2:3-4. Scriptures tell us it is a joy to place others above ourselves. Look for opportunities to serve others with joy and selflessness, putting their needs ahead of your own desires.

Pray

Jesus, thank you for your patience and infinite love toward me. I confess that I often struggle with impatience and unforgiveness with others. Help me to surrender my will to yours and to cultivate the fruit of patience in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.