“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful…” 1 Corinthians 13:4
September 1, 2023
If you came upon an automobile accident and an occupant of the car needed to be extracted immediately, a rescue would be called for. It is no exaggeration to say that the wonderful biblical word love is in such a need. The word “love” is far too often used to legitimize all kinds of bad behavior. The famous love chapter (1 Cor. 13) is actually a digression to correct bad behavior among church members. To do so, the apostle Paul makes love walk on two legs (vv. 4-7). It is not a mere emotion. It acts in certain ways. Love is more than a noun. It is a verb. We don’t fall into it. We live it. Start with patience, and as we do, bring to mind how Jesus practiced it in His time on earth. Go no further than what it took in bringing the disciples along to loving relationships. Love chooses to persist when irritated or inconvenienced. How sweet it is when we are on the other end of someone’s calm endurance when we are doing something the wrong way. Kindness is a close companion of patience. How aware am I of those around me and their needs? Love thinks of others, looking for ways to help others. It may be as simple as letting a driver who has their turn signal on move over to your lane. The greatest kindness of all is the kindness of God our Savior who came to rescue us from our dismal condition as lost sinners (Titus 3:3-4).
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“To lengthen my patience is the best way to shorten my troubles.” George Swinnock