PHM Monthly Connect | Sept
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Philippians 1:3 NLT
I want us to look at how some of these characteristics of love affect our daily living.
PATIENT- This comes from the Greek word that means “long” and tempered. Vines says that love is “self-restraint in the face of provocation. It is the opposite of anger.”
How short is your fuse? How easily do you become frustrated when things don’t go your way? Are you quick to work at getting even? Positive answers to these questions mean you are exhibiting the very opposite of patient.
Patient means that we wait out trouble and refuse to strike out at our adversaries. Instead, we follow Peter’s advice: “Therefore humble yourself under the mighty had of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, or He cares for your” 1 Peter 5:6-7 We wait patiently in God’s hand. We don’t turn from the trouble or run from God. We wait on God! God’s love provides for our daily needs and our special needs.
KIND- This comes from the Greek word that means “myself useful.” Kindness takes patience one step further. When you are kind, you are long-tempered against trouble and you reach out to help someone else. 1 Corinthians 10: 33b NIV declares: “For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”
Kindness always asks, “How can I benefit another?” In our love walk we should always be looking to walk in patience and kindness.
Many times, we think being nice & being kinds are the same thing. NO, they are not. We are being nice to someone many times becasuse4 we have to, and it is expected. We are kind to someone because it is a part of our character and that’s who we are, so we just be who we are.
Since patience is a part of our character, that’s what we exhibit. WE have self-restraint and are even tempered, not lashing out in anger. We humble ourselves before the Lord and He will exalt us in due time. As I’ve already said we wait on God.
As we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit the characteristics of God become more mature in our lives, and we walk in love as God does or as He is. God is Love!