LOVE IS PATIENT

1 Corinthians 13 is commonly called Scripture's 'love chapter'. The following verses are frequently used in wedding ceremonies to describe the relationship between a husband and wife ... 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Students of the Bible tend to see this passage as a poetic description of Godly love and as such ... fail to plumb its depths. Each attribute listed is full of meaning, the first of which is 'patience'. 

Love endures any evil, injury, or provocation that comes its way. Indignation, anger, and revenge are overpowered by its presence. Love would rather wait and wish for an enemy's reformation than condemn and cast him aside. 

In the Lord's eyes, 'love' and 'patience' cannot be separated. They are among the signs of the Holy Spirit's indwelling ... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23) 

According to 1 John 4:8, 'God is Love' ... therefore by necessity, God is 'patient'. But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, Slow to anger and abundant in mercy and truth. (Psalm 86:15) 

God's offer of grace to a sinner flows from His love and patience ... 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. (2 Peter 3:9)

As we go through the process of sanctification, transforming us into the likeness of Christ ... patience and long-suffering will become more evident in our lives. Love will melt away the strong feelings of intolerance and frustration that negatively affect our testimony. 

Love has a very long fuse.