I am sure you know by now the love verse, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. If not then read below:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 New International Version (NIV)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
What does it mean when we say love is patient. Lets start with the definition of patient.
From Merriam-Webster online dictionary, patient means:
- bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
- manifesting a refrain from the enforcement of something (such as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due under provocation or strain
- not hasty or marked by force and violence of movement or action
- steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
- able or willing to bear
I bet you are going great, I have no idea what that means.
Lets look at impatient: restless or short of temper especially under irritation, delay, or opposition
Lets put it another way, this kind of love bears with offenses and is slow to anger and repay or punish those who offend you. However, it does not imply indifference, which would ignore an offense.
For example, it is not getting irritated with people for the way they drive. Hmm, who might be guilty of this, avoids eye contact with everyone.
If you did not guess, I am referring to myself. I easily get irritated or aggravated with people on the road. In other words, I am impatient with most drivers, but that is not expressing love they way God expects.
Patience is one of the most difficult to master and I will say you cannot do it on your own. I strongly urge you to go spend time with God and pray about your impatience. He will definitely present you with opportunities to grow.