1 Corinthians13:4

Love is patient.

We usually think of patience as the ability to wait or endure without complaint, whether it’s with people or circumstances. However, the Greek word translated

“patience” in (1 Corinthians 13:4) refers specifically to patience with people. It literally means “to be long tempered,” and speaks of one who could easily retaliate when wronged but chooses not to.

This kind of patience is a spiritual virtue reflective of God Himself, who is the supreme example of patience.

(2 Peter 3:9)

“He is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Those who reject His grace are despising “the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience”

(Romans 2:4).

Patience can’t be duplicated on a purely human level. However for Christians, it’s to be a way of life. In (Ephesians 4:1-2) Paul said, “I … entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love”

In the Greco-Roman world of Paul’s day, retaliating for a personal insult or injury was considered a virtue.

Non-retaliation was interpreted as a sign of weakness.

Our society is much the same. Our heroes tend to be those who fight back with physical strength or litigation. But that isn’t God’s perspective, nor was it Christ’s in praying for His killers, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

As you consider your own patience, remember that retaliation isn’t always blatant and forceful. It’s often subtle, like withdrawing from a friend who has hurt you, or not showing affection for a loved one. But godly love never retaliates. It cares more for the feelings of others than for its own.

We need to remember the Lord’s patience toward us and allow His Spirit to produce similar patience in us.