Does patience really matter? Moments that Matter, Christian Questions
1 Corinthians 13 is commonly called “the love chapter”. The very first description of selfless love in verse 4 begins with “Love is patient…” We often assume that this “patient” description means love is willing to quietly wait for things. Nice thought! But it doesn’t nearly capture this word’s true meaning.
In a recent podcast we observed the same issue arising with the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5. The fourth characteristic on this list is also “patience”. We assume that God’s spirit is expressed in us when we learn to quietly wait. Again, a nice thought, but it simply misses the depth of the word.
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This word for patience means to forbear, to have self-restraint and goes way beyond quietly waiting and even beyond perseverance, which is bearing up under a heavy burden for a long time. We usually apply these valuable characteristics as a response to our circumstances. In contrast, forbearance responds to our own reactions. It’s the disciplined restraining of me, my thoughts words, and deeds, even when I have a right to react.
How can we bring forbearance in our lives and how can this help to transform us? For the answer to these questions and supporting scriptures listen to the full podcast: https://christianquestions.com/character/1286-patience/
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