Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. – (1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV)
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. – (1 Corinthians 13:4, ERV)
Love is patient; love is kind. Love isn’t envious, doesn’t boast, brag, or strut about. There’s no arrogance in love. – (1 Corinthians 13:4, VOICE)
I so appreciate that the first attribute of love mentioned is patience. In every relationship, patience is essential. A love that is patient is willing to take and make time for those around them. As a parent, this is an ongoing necessity to help children thrive and grow. In marriage and in friendships, we must be patient to listen and communicate well with one another. Kindness goes hand-in-hand with patience, for each person that I know who is patient, is also very kind. To be kind is to withhold the reaction that often rises up, and rather, times the time (and patience) to respond in love, no matter what the circumstance. That does not mean love and kindness make a person a pushover, but rather the two drive us to deliver communication in a way that it is more readily received. The things that love is not are also great reminders to help our hearts align with His. Love does not envy; instead it celebrates the success of others. A love that does not boast or brag is one that prefers others and looks out for their very best, rather than making things all about self.
Real love is patient,
it’s gracious and kind;
love prefers others,
with their best in mind.
Love does not envy,
instead, celebrates;
it cheers others on,
God’s grace demonstrates.
There is no boasting,
to spotlight oneself;
but rather, highlights,
strength in someone else.
May love lead us on,
as Christ has loved us;
patient surrender,
for love’s a process.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You instruct us in how we are meant to love. Thank You that You not only tell us in Your word, but You show us again and again through the people whom You place in our lives to love us well. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked patience and kindness, and for the times that we have made things all about ourselves. Teach us to love like You, for Your love covers us and lifts us up. Show us how to love like You, with patience and kindness, always. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they recognize Your heart for them through the people You have placed in their lives to love them well. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to grow Your love within us so that we may love those around us with Your perpetually patient love. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:10