Love is patient and kind… – 1 Corinthians 13:4a
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:4 cut through the haze of emotions we often associate with love. He isn’t describing how love feels… he’s showing us how it acts. True love is not a fleeting sentiment, but rather a deliberate choice, always revealed through action. It’s the decision to move toward others with grace, even when it’s hard.
Love is patient. Love revealed through patience mirrors God’s heart. Scripture tells us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). God’s patience endures, giving us time to turn to Him. When His love fills us, we reflect that same patience, even toward those who annoy or wound us.
Consider Jennifer, a woman betrayed by a close friend who spread lies about her. Instead of retaliating, Jennifer chose patience. She prayed for her friend, waited for healing, and over time extended forgiveness. Her love wasn’t passive – it was a powerful act of endurance, reflecting God’s mercy. As John Chrysostom, a 4th-century preacher, observed, patience is the mark of one who is wronged, has the power to avenge, but chooses mercy instead. Do we rush to avenge ourselves, or do we hold space for grace?
Love is kind. Kindness is love made visible in simple, tangible ways. It’s the gentle word, the helping hand, the quiet act that says, “I see you.” A beautiful measure of kindness is how children respond to us. Children are quick to sense true love and also quick to shrink from harshness. When God’s love flows through us, our kindness draws even the littlest hearts toward us.
C.S. Lewis captures the essence of this active love: “Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.” Patience and kindness aren’t merely virtues… they’re the heartbeat of love in action, choosing the good of others, day after day.
I don’t know about you… but I could sure do a better job of expressing my love through patience and kindness to some people, especially those closest to me. May we take Paul’s words to heart.
Prayer: Lord, fill me with Your love that is patient and kind. Help me to act in mercy, to endure with grace, and to show kindness even in the smallest moments. May my love reflect Your heart. Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 