Good morning! This morning let’s talk about L-O-V-E. Because I was chatting with someone and they said, “The very thing that love is described as is ‘patient’.”

“Love is patient.” (I Corinthians 13:4). Which made me stop and realize how many times I have just skimmed right over that particular passage. Not to mention, the countless times I’ve used it while performing a wedding ceremony and never stopped to really think about it.

Love is such a huge concept, a great and wonderful thing. Have you ever thought about it in the actual terms of “patience” before? Yet not only is it pointed out as the first and foremost important thing about love in the Bible, it is also mentioned 7 more times in an extremely profound way.

Why is patience so important and tied so closely to love? Let’s look at what a few other passages show us.

“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (I Thessalonians 5:12-14 )

Appreciate everyone who has charge over you. And who is that? Your boss, your parents, our government, maybe even your spouse? It takes patience to appreciate those people and to live in harmony. But it’s also important to remember because they’re not perfect, just as you are not perfect! The Bible tells us clear as day to be patient and love everyone! Ouch, that is a lot to ask. There are a lot of annoying people out there, right?

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9)

Take a minute today to stop and think, “Am I as patient with others, as God is with me?” Honestly, for me the answer is NO!

But you must align your heart with His will, and desire what He desires, which is that NONE shall perish. He loves you and wants you to show that love to others through patience.

“The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,.” (II Timothy 2:24) God wants you to be patient even when you are wronged. Remember, you are not the judge and jury of other people. Trust me, I totally fail at this all the time and yet, it’s the basic building block to LOVE!

Do you struggle with being patient? Let me know in your comments and share this with your friends and family.

If you’re looking for more spiritual discussions there are two opportunities to join us today on The Dani Johnson Show at 12 pm ET and at 7 pm ET. You can tune into the show on either your TV or radio and please remember you can always stream today’s show right on our website.

In great faith,

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