We are driving across the country right now. Even though the speed limit is 75 miles per hour in much of this part of the country, our progress seems slow and tedious. Patience is a hard virtue to possess and draw upon when needed. But waiting is just a small part of patience. This word also means bearing with each other’s failings. If I thought simple waiting is tough, bearing the burden of loving people through their mistakes and hurts is really difficult.
In I Corinthians 13 Paul wrote a beautiful description of love, often quoted in wedding ceremonies. It says, in part, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.”
Patience is the first quality of love listed by Paul. It doesn’t come naturally to us, but rather is developed through testing. God uses our experiences to teach us patience. It is only when we allow God to truly love others through us that we can actually possess and demonstrate patience.
Reluctant Retiree 