1 Though I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
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.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Patient Love
While patience is one of mankind’s biggest struggles, it is one of God’s specialities. We can all be patient for a minute, but what about for days, months, or years? The Greek word used for patience in this verse is makrothymeō. Makrothymeō means to bravely endure misfortunes and trouble, to bear the injuries and offenses of others. It also means to be slow to punish.
If we have patient love, we hang in there not only with the deserving, but with the undeserving as well. Love is also kind (mild, pleasant, benevolent). The opposite of kind is harsh, bitter, sharp. God is never harsh, sharp, or bitter with you. Even when correcting us, He is kind, gentle and loving. He never condemns or punishes. That ended at the cross.
If you are experiencing any harshness, shame, or condemnation, it is not from your Father, it is from the father of lies. Don’t listen to it, don’t put up with it. James 4:7 tells us “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Remember, God is patient, God is kind. His words to you are love.
Be loved, Beloved.
Day 4 Journal Activities
- Reflect on God’s patient love for you and give Him thanks and praise. Now, honestly appraise how patient you are with others in your life. Is there a certain person or situation that God is asking you to exercise more patience with? Journal about that.
- Have you been experiencing feelings of harshness, shame, or condemnation? Remember, these come from the enemy. Ask God to show you a Bible verse that applies to your situation and write it in your journal. Begin memorizing it and praying it over your situation.
- Feel free to share any thoughts/insights in the comments. We’d love to hear what’s on your mind.
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful Your words to us are always patient, kind and full of Your love. We accept Your love this day. We reject the enemy’s words. We thank You that Your love will always bless and when we choose to love others we will also be blessed. Your patient love for us bears, believes, hopes and endures ALL things. You never give up, run out or forsake us. Your words to us are love. Always love. Only love. Amen. Be loved, Beloved.