So says the scripture (1 Corinthians 13:4). In our haste to jump to other attributes of love, we forget that this comes first on the list. We try to fake kindness, gentleness,
etc.,
and we fall into the trap of being hypocrites. We say we are
kind, but when our patience runs out, we become monsters and
destructive of others’ lives, usually the very ones God
appointed us to protect or obey. Such is the religion of the
lost.But we who are not trying to make the outside look good at the expense of the inward cleansing of the Holy Spirit – we need to be patient. There is a scripture that tells us that in our patience we possess our souls (Luke 21:19). There is another that says that we need patience to inherit eternal life, even after we have done the will of God (Hebrews 10:36).
Many have thrown away their faith because they became impatient. These are like dogs returning to their own vomit, says another scripture.
Our American culture breeds impatience into our souls. If we do not separate ourselves from the culture, we become hypocrites, trying to appear loving but all the while impatient and greedy after gain. We then become expert at faking kindness, gentleness, etc., so we can obtain things our impatient greedy selves demand. This is not Christ, however Christian it may appear. Many souls are damned to perdition because of greed. They lack contentment because they lack true faith (1 Timothy 6:3-12).
Love is patient. This means it does not seek bigger and better things, but is composed as it waits for the outcome. If we have nothing to look forward to, like the reaping of what we have sown, then of course we have no patience. But if we have sown to the spirit (or Spirit), then we wait with patience for the reward (James 5:7, Hebrews 10:35-36).
This causes us to be patient towards others who are stumbling along, bumping into objects in their search for true faith (1 Thessalonians 5:14). We do not jump their bones when they do stupid things, but we with patience instruct them: perhaps God will reveal their error and they will repent. In this we judge the error, but we do not proceed with the trial and the execution. God does. Our job is to live holy lives and rebuke the darkness around us.
Patience causes us to preach the gospel, maintaining our composure while the unlearned and wicked mock the Word of God.
This usually means the stumbling Christian is not going to applaud us when we present the untarnished gospel. It probably means the opposite. But once in a while, God will show someone the light and it’s all worth it. 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
- Chris Simonson
We encourage you to email the author to prove or disprove, from the Scriptures, the intent, meaning, purpose or doctrine of this piece. email Chris