Love Is: Patient
As a wedding photographer, I have heard 1 Corinthians 13 recited at hundreds & hundreds of weddings. I think it’s safe to say it’s the most popular verse during the exchange of vows. I knew this verse even before I was a Christian, or before I even knew what it meant. It starts with “Love is Patient.”
“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. Love never fails.”
The definition of patient is; being able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. I have been married for just under 6 months & I am here to tell you that it REQUIRES patience. I think every married person in the history of the world would say the same. Not because you are constantly annoyed or “tolerating” delays or problems but because you are two imperfect humans under one roof who have to work together despite differences based on upbringings and years of patterns & habits. I think that true patience is being able to endure situations or circumstances that cause displeasure & respond with kindness. I also think this is something that will always take effort to put into action.
Patient love is persistent love. It is the kind of love that you have for your spouse. It is a constant ACT that takes place daily in marriage & in relationships in general. Patient love is pursing your husband or wife everyday even when you don’t feel like it; because remember our feelings do not show love, our actions do. We can be upset with our spouse but still choose to show love by being patient and responding with kindness. I don’t think this was meant to be easy to do, but I think that’s what makes it the kind of unconditional love we all crave.
I read this quote once that said, “Patience is more than just waiting calmly in a line — it’s waiting calmly when people are out of line.” I don’t have children (yet), but I imagine this will come into play a lot as a mother/father. Patience is not just an act of love that we extend to our spouse; it’s for our children, our friends, & our family. Furthermore, when we extend a patient act of love towards God we aren’t as tempted to rush His timing. Patient love does not look for instant gratification, but rests knowing God will answer our prayers in His timing.