Monday: The Foundation of Love: Patience

Anchor Verse:

1 Corinthians 13:4 (NKJV) “Love suffers long and is kind.”

In a Nutshell:

Pastor Shantel taught that patience is the foundational soil in which all other Christian virtues grow, creating space for kindness to emerge.

Unpacking the Word:

When we examine the true nature of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13, we discover that patience isn’t just a virtue – it’s the very foundation upon which godly love is built. This isn’t the romanticized version of love that fills our songs and movies, but rather the agape love that can only flow from a heart connected to God Himself.

Patience creates space in our hearts and minds to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Think about the last time you were in a rush – perhaps stuck in traffic or dealing with a deadline. In those moments, kindness often takes a backseat to frustration. The link between patience and kindness is no coincidence; one naturally flows from the other.

Pastor Shantel pointed out that impatience may have been at the root of the original sin. Adam and Eve couldn’t wait for God’s timing – they wanted immediate knowledge and wisdom. That same impatience affects us today when we rush ahead of God’s plan, thinking we know better. This reveals an uncomfortable truth: our impatience often stems from pride.

When we slow down and create margin in our lives, we make room for kindness to flourish. This is particularly important in our closest relationships, where familiarity can breed impatience. The person we’re quickest to snap at is often the one we love most. By practicing patience, we’re actually cultivating the soil where love can grow deep roots.

Remember that Christ himself demonstrated perfect patience – waiting thirty years to begin His ministry, submitting to God’s timing in all things. His example shows us that patience isn’t passive waiting; it’s active trust in God’s perfect timing. When we practice this kind of patience, we create space for the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.

Pause and Reflect:

1. In which relationships or situations do you find yourself most impatient, and what does that reveal about your heart?
2. How might slowing down and creating more margin in your life lead to greater kindness toward others?
3. Where might God be asking you to trust His timing rather than rushing ahead with your own plans?

Faith in Action:

1. Identify one relationship where impatience has affected your interactions, and consciously practice responding more slowly and thoughtfully for the next three days.
2. Set aside 10 minutes of “margin time” in your schedule today – time with no agenda except to be present and available to God and others.
3. The next time you feel rushed, take three deep breaths and silently pray, “Lord, help me to be patient and kind in this moment.”

A Moment With God:

Heavenly Father, help me recognize when impatience is taking root in my heart. Teach me to slow down and create space for your love to flow through me. Show me where pride might be fueling my impatience, and help me to trust your perfect timing in all things.

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We encourage you to use the comments to share your most significant takeaway from this week’s devotionals, how you’ve been challenged, and what God is revealing to you about your spiritual journey.

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