Love is Patient but Patience Isn’t Easy

If love is patient, why aren’t we more patient with others?

As I was driving to work the other day, an impatient person cut me off. Actually… they didn’t just cut me off. They pulled up on my bumper and tried to get around me several times. When they were finally able to pass, they stomped on the gas, whipped around me, laid on the horn,  cut back in front of me way too soon, and then took off leaving fire behind their tires. Okay.. the fire is probably an exaggeration.

What was their problem? It’s not like I was driving granny speed. I was likely driving my traditional 5 miles over the speed limit. As they were barreling away from me, I caught a glimpse of the back of their car…

Don’t they know that love is patient?

That’s why I don’t have a fishy plastered on the back of my car. When I drive stupid, I don’t want everyone around me to think that all Christians drive that way. My driving and my impatience could make Jesus look bad.

Love Is Patient

But love is patient. I don’t know what was going on with the person who cut me off. Maybe they were having a bad day. They were likely late somewhere. But, it’s during those times that we need to remember that love is patient. Even if we don’t know the person in the other car, we need to love them.  We need to be patient with them.

Patience isn’t easy.  I often wonder how God remains so patient with us. We continually fail Him, but He continually looks at the cross of Christ and forgives us. What amazing grace!

God is love. Love is patient. Therefore, God is patient.

We’re never more like Christ than when we’re patient.

But here’s the thing about patience… It’s never easy.

It’s NEVER easy!

If a situation is easy, it doesn’t require patience. Patience is only needed during tough times.

Think about some of these examples. Do they require patience?

• You’re running late for work… and every traffic light is red.
• Your boss or coworker is constantly critical of you.
• Your children won’t listen & won’t obey.
• The bank makes an error that overdraws your account.
• Your steak is cooked extra well-done when you clearly said medium.
• The cable goes out during the last few minutes of an important game.
• A wreck has backed up traffic on the interstate.
• McDonald’s drive-thru takes longer than the traditional 30 seconds.

What about these? Do they require patience?

• You’re early for work… and every traffic light is red.
• Your boss and coworkers are great!
• Your children obey you most of the  time.
• The bank gets your transaction correct.
• Your steak tastes great!
• You get to see the end of the ballgame, and it was worth it!
• The interstate has less traffic on it than usual.
• McDonald’s drive-thru gets your food to you in 28 seconds!!

Patience is never required during easy times.

But love is patient.  So, we need to love others through our patience with them.

Jesus was patient with us. We need to extend the same love and patience that Jesus gave us to others.

My challenge for us this week is to work on patience with others. When you get into a difficult situation, ask yourself: “Am I being as patient as I could be? How can be more patient?”

God has given us the patience we need to complete the work He has for us everyday. We just need to choose to use the patience He has given us.

Now It’s Your Turn

What is a situation you find yourself in where it’s very difficult to remain patient?

Is there a person who comes to mind that you need to show more patience towards?

 

Tags : Fish, Love, Patient