Love… Is Patient
They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
God's Word is alive! God’s Word is power! It’s illuminating and transforming. Among its most cherished Bible Chapters is 1 Corinthians 13 on LOVE!
Although my memory muscles aren’t buff, shouldn’t we all learn either learn or rehearse these life-changing verses as daily guides?
Wouldn’t the way we react to the world, to personal and national turmoil… change us (and perhaps people who see us)?
Wouldn’t we look A LOT more like Jesus?
One hallmark of love I should show by now… is patience. I’ve got some, but still need MORE. So I'm working out my patience muscles in everyday moments, like check-out lines, long waits on some calls, or rush hour traffic.
Where our commandment to love is concerned, patience is loving people steadfastly:
Even when they're slow to understand you,
Slow to love you back, slow to see themselves,
And slow to make life-changing improvements.
Why?
Because we serve the Mighty God of love. Because we're supposed to copy His Son, and because He’s thankfully, flawlessly, and undeservedly PATIENT WITH US...
Waiting, cherishing, believing in us, even to the hour of impending death.
To the convicted, repentant sinner hanging on a rugged cross next to Him, Jesus said,
'Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise' (Luke 23:43).
This is the goal the Lord has for us ALL!
'The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance' (2 Peter 3:9).
'The Lord is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness' (Psalm 145:8).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Be patient with others and with YOURSELF, including your rise in Media’s fields, including bookings and audience size.
Don’t harm yourself (or your witness of God) by spoiled and childish shows of impatience!
Love… Is Patient (Part 10)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to models of Jesus, and we all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!