By Warren David Horak

Love Suffers Long

Long suffering is the first facet of Love.

Why is Long suffering mentioned first?

Long suffering / patience is something we naturally tend to shy away from.

However, it is vital to us abiding in His love.

Today we find out why Long suffering is so important and why being patient is the first facet of love mention in the definition of Love in the Bible.

1 Corinthians 13:4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.

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Introduction

Welcome to part five of our series on the 16 facets of love.

Today, we're diving deep into the crucial aspect of patience, also known as longsuffering.

As we explore this facet of love, we'll uncover why it's so vital in our Christian walk and how it impacts our ability to inherit God's promises.

Get ready for some raw, meaty truths that will challenge and transform your understanding of love and patience.

The Priority of Patience in the Facets of Love

When we look at the definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13, it's fascinating to note that patience is mentioned first among the facets of love.

This isn't by chance.

God prioritizes patience because it's fundamental to walking in the fullness of love.

As we explore the 16 facets of love, we must embrace all of them, not just the ones we find comfortable.

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;" - 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NKJV)

The Greek word for longsuffering, "makrothumia," means to be of a long spirit, to have endurance, and not to lose heart.

It involves patiently and bravely enduring misfortunes and troubles.

This facet of love challenges us to bear the offenses and injuries of others, to be mild and slow in avenging ourselves.

Patience: Essential for Walking in God's Promises

Patience isn't just about waiting for miracles; it's about how we treat people.

God loved us first, and now He commands us to love others as proof of our love for Him.

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 6:12:

"that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." - Hebrews 6:12 (NKJV)

This scripture reveals that both faith and patience are necessary to inherit God's promises.

We often focus on faith alone, but patience is equally crucial.

Without patience, we risk missing out on our destiny, just as Moses did when he lost his temper at the waters of Meribah.

The Power of Patience in Possessing Your Soul

In Luke 21, Jesus provides a powerful teaching on the importance of patience in the face of persecution and trials:

"By your patience possess your souls." - Luke 21:19 (NKJV)

This verse suggests that patience is the key to maintaining control over our inner selves, even in the most challenging circumstances.

When we exercise patience, we resist the enemy's attempts to possess our souls through anger, unforgiveness, or vengeance.

Patience: A Characteristic of the Strong

The Apostle Paul teaches us that patience is a trait of the spiritually strong:

"We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves." - Romans 15:1 (NKJV)

This verse reminds us that patience involves bearing with those who are weaker in faith, not for our own pleasure, but for their edification.

It's a call to imitate Christ, who did not please Himself but took on the reproaches of others.

The God of Patience

Paul goes on to describe God Himself as the God of patience:

"Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus," - Romans 15:5 (NKJV)

This reveals that patience is not just a human virtue, but a divine attribute.

When we exercise patience, we're reflecting the very nature of God.

Patience: The Path to Perfection

In the book of James, we find one of the most profound teachings on patience:

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." - James 1:2-4 (NKJV)

This passage reveals that trials produce patience, and patience, when fully developed, leads to perfection and completeness.

It's through patience that we become mature believers, lacking nothing.

The Facets of Love in Action

Colossians 3:12-15 provides a beautiful picture of how the facets of love, including patience, should be evident in our lives:

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." - Colossians 3:12-15 (NKJV)

This passage emphasizes the importance of patience (longsuffering) in our relationships with others, alongside other facets of love such as kindness, humility, and forgiveness.

The Facets of Love in Action

Embracing Trials as Opportunities for Growth in Patience

James 1:2-4 encourages us to view trials as opportunities for growth in patience:

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." - James 1:2-4 (NKJV)

This perspective shift allows us to embrace challenges as part of our spiritual development, recognizing that patience is a crucial facet of love that leads to maturity and completeness in Christ.

The Relationship Between Faith, Patience, and Inheriting Promises

Hebrews 6:12 highlights the connection between faith, patience, and inheriting God's promises:

"that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." - Hebrews 6:12 (NKJV)

This verse reminds us that both faith and patience are necessary to receive the fulfillment of God's promises in our lives.

As we cultivate patience as one of the facets of love, we position ourselves to inherit all that God has for us.

Patience as a Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 lists patience (longsuffering) as one of the fruits of the Spirit:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

This reinforces the idea that patience is a vital facet of love, produced in us by the Holy Spirit as we yield to His work in our lives.

The Example of Christ's Patience

1 Timothy 1:16 points to Christ as our supreme example of patience:

"However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life." - 1 Timothy 1:16 (NKJV)

As we contemplate Christ's patience with us, we're inspired to extend the same patience to others, embodying this crucial facet of love in our daily interactions.

Patience in Waiting for Christ's Return

2 Peter 3:9 reveals God's patience in relation to Christ's return:

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)

This verse reminds us that God's patience is motivated by His love for humanity, desiring that all might come to repentance.

As we cultivate patience as one of the facets of love, we align ourselves with God's heart for the lost.

Conclusion

As we conclude this exploration of patience as one of the crucial facets of love, let's remember that it's not just a passive waiting, but an active, powerful force in our spiritual lives.

Patience, when fully developed, leads to maturity, completeness, and the inheritance of God's promises.

It's a reflection of God's own nature and a key component of Christ-like character.

Let's embrace the challenges and trials that come our way, recognizing them as opportunities to grow in patience.

As we do so, we'll find ourselves becoming more like Christ, embodying all the facets of love in our relationships with God and others.

May we count it all joy when we face various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience, and let patience have its perfect work in us.

Remember, through faith and patience, we inherit the promises.

So let's not shy away from this vital facet of love, but rather pursue it wholeheartedly, knowing that as we do, we're becoming perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

May the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, as you walk in the fullness of His love.

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