Love is Very Patient

Yes, I have blogged all through 1 Corinthians 13. In the process I found this story written about twenty years ago - a true story. I hope my readers enjoy it.

"I'm not a patient person, God," I prayed. "Where do you want me to park?" I was taking a bulk mailing to the downtown Post Office before my first appointment at 9:30 a.m. I circled the Post Office twice; then prayed as I went around the third time. There it appeared, smack in front of the Post Office, an empty parking space—to my relief and surprise! Dropping my nickel in the meter I quietly thanked God.

                   

At the bulk mailing window a clerk checked my form almost immediately. The price had gone up requiring extra postage. The clerk calculated the amount and told me to meet him at the front window.

                   

I walked around to the front window and groaned inwardly at the sight of a line. An elderly man slouched in front of one window. A middle aged woman, in the process of being helped, stood at the second window. A young woman waited behind the rope as required. I took my place behind the young woman. The clerks, while friendly and cheerful, were very slow. 

I thought again, patience is not one of my virtues. "Pray without ceasing" (I Thess. 5:17), my Bible verse for the week, popped into my mind. It seemed impossible to carry out. "I want to learn to stay continually in your presence, God. Help me feel your presence here in this post office," I prayed without much conviction.

Then I glanced at the wall behind the clerks and astonishment filled my heart. Three large posters of LOVE stamps filled the wall. I felt God's presence three times: God in three persons, LOVE, LOVE, and LOVE! Along with His LOVE I absorbed some of His patience. My turn came before I knew it. I had plenty of time to get to my 9:30 appointment.

"Love is very patient" (I Cor. 13:4) is my verse for next week.  I think I'll buy some LOVE stamps soon.  

Love is Patient

1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

The Messages puts it like this:

“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Loves doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut. Love doesn’t have a swelled head.”

Love is patient – Love never gives up. Love calmly waits, trusting God. I’m impatient, doubting. Love is my goal, but one that I often miss.

Love is kind – Love cares more for others than for self. Love is gentle, helpful, puts others needs first. I try to be kind; I put others first when it’s convenient. Once in awhile I go out of my way to help others. I care for my loved ones as much as for my self – at least at times. Do I ever care more for others more than for myself? I doubt it.

Love doesn’t envy – Doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love rejoices in the successes, comfort, health, wealth, happiness of others; love is happy with its own life. I do better on this one. I am happy with my own life – but I have been greatly blessed with good health, enough money, and a great family.

Love does not boast – Love doesn’t strut. Love is humble. Love is modest. Love is not proud. Love doesn’t have a swelled head. Love is not arrogant, not full of self. Love recognizes its own vulnerability and lets it show. Being transparent isn’t easy. Lord, help me live this.

Blessings, Dottie

What is love?

This is the best description I know: “Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.  It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him always expect the best of him and always stand your ground in defending him.” I Corinthians 13:4-7 Living Bible

     

Now answer these questions to find out how loving you are toward your partner. How do I show love to my partner? Do I say “I love you?” Am I romantic toward my partner? Am I affectionate with him or her? Do I tell my partner the things I appreciate about him or her? Do I give compliments often?

What does my partner want me to do that I’m not doing? Do I respect my partner’s viewpoint when we talk? Do I listen without giving advice or becoming defensive? Am I willing to go to the places my partner wants to go; to have fun or recreation on his or her terms? Do I put my partner first?

Do I expect my partner to mind read; to know when I’m upset, to know when I want affection?  (Hint: No one can do this.) Do I ask for hugs when I need them?  Do I accept the love he or she does offer me?

     

Have I forgiven my partner for the ways he or she has hurt me? Have I asked for forgiveness for the ways I’ve hurt my partner? Am I holding any grudges against my partner?

     

These are difficult and important issues. We want love and affection; we want acceptance and understanding from our mates. Most of us don’t realize that this takes time, effort and a giving of oneself.

“A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”  John 13:34 NIV

Blessings, Dottie