Patient in the Greek is defined as the capacity to be wronged and making the choice not to retaliate. Now I'm pretty sure if we are honest, we can admit that there may have been someone who has done us dirty, injured or assaulted us. If we retaliated, how then would others know that we were Disciples of Christ if we showed no love? Love is not best seen through the best of times but shines brighter during the worst of times.
Truth be told, when others fail us, they may not even be cognizant of it and if they are its still not our job to teach them a lesson or get even.
I realized that my marriage did not make it this far off of romance, chocolate covered strawberries and sparkling cider. My marriage lasted this long when love was tested. There were many times we failed but remained faithful and fought to keep our marriage together. We would not have made it this far if we retaliated and fought against one another.
Instead of adding insults and harboring ill feelings, we were kind toward one another by demonstrating forgiveness. We were kind by not taking cheap shots at each other but openly communicating our hurts, and worked towards helping one another heal. Although we will continue to make more mistakes going forward, thankfully the law of kindness has been written on our tongue.
I want to encourage you, dear reader, to let love be patient and evident in your every day living. You will surely see the positive effects of it.
Written by Minister Dana McCain