Journey of Love – Patience Part 2
Another way that love is patient is in dealing with one
another. While I will be talking about
multiple aspects of the English word “love,” the word in 1 Corinthians 13 can
also be translated caring. It is the
word that we get our word “charity” from.
It is a giving and caring type of love.
In that way, we are asked to be patient with one another, bearing with
one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2).
What does that look like?
In my experience, I can tell you what it doesn’t look
like. It does not look like yelling when
there are disagreements. It does not
look like manipulation. It does not look
like finding another lover when walls of miscommunication have gone up. It does not look like writing off a
friendship when we are offended. It does
not look like hiding problems in codependency.
(I should make it clear that these are not necessarily examples from my
past marriage and should not be taken as casting blame on anyone).
I believe what patience does look like is giving people room
to grow at the pace that is right for them.
It means dealing with disagreements in a fair and loving manner. It means seeking counsel when necessary to
save or grow a relationship. It means
being faithful to your partner. It also
means dealing with issues instead of letting them pile up to the breaking
point.
Take a patience inventory today. Are you being fair to your spouse or in your
other relationships? Are you dealing
with issues in love? Are you committed
to faithfulness? Let’s show our love through
patience starting today.
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