Love is Patient and is Kind
“Love is patient and is kind” according to 1 Corinthians 13:4. Today we take a look at the love is kind part.
Again, as I did yesterday, I think looking at it from the other view helps. If love is kind then a lack of love shows up in the reverse. Thus love is not harsh, just my opinion though, as I define this. Let us see then what scripture adds to this. “Instead be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other just as Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
Looks like kindness according to Paul means tender hearted and forgiving. Tenderhearted to me means gentle. Thus love would not be harsh or respond in anger to someone who is loved.
Again I look at this and ponder. Do I truly understand love? Anger can come so quickly. Harsh words fall out of my mouth unexpected. They say the real you comes out in a crisis, but I don’t necessarily like the real me at such times. Love would not be the word that defines my behavior.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all evil behavior.” Thus says God’s word in Ephesians 4:31. Love rules.
And then we see forgiveness as part of this “love is kind” thing. What we fondly know as “The Lord’s Prayer” points out that we must forgive in order to be forgiven, yet at times forgiveness is oh so hard.
Searching my memory for an example of a person I see as an example of ”love is kind” I think of my friend Jennifer. When she sees someone’s need she offers to help. I am not sure I have ever heard her say a harsh word to a friend. Well she hasn’t said one to me anyway. She is gentle in her dealings with others, not wanting to hurt others. If you know her then you understand what I am saying. She is a good example of “love is kind.”
Questions To Consider:
1. Did I think before I spoke?
2. How would I want someone to address that thing with me if I had their issues?
3. Is there something I need to let go of, something I have held on to that needs to be forgiven and moved on from?
In closing let us consider The Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”
These morning meditations written by Christian believer and author, Patricia Hawkins, offer them for your personal edification. You may contact Patricia at prayerpartnerpat@gmail.com.