(1 Corinthians 13:4)
During the month of February, we focus on the subject of "LOVE"
It's easy to love those who love us back. No matter if it is family, friends, co-workers, those who we come in contact with at social events. It's easy to love the lovable. But what about those who are not so lovable? Not so easy!
Here is where the fruit of the Spirit "Long-suffering" comes in. (Galatians 5:22b) Another word that we can relate to "long suffering" is "patience." How patient are we with those who hurt us in some way?
Do we lose our tempers, do we avoid any contact with them because we don't want to experience their negative attitudes towards us?
If we are to love as Jesus loved, then we must suffer-long with people. The scribes and pharisees, challenged this virtue with Jesus.
And some of the words that Jesus shared with them, were hard words.
(Matthew 23)
Just because there are times, when we may have to be blunt, and say what must be said, does not mean that we don't love. Love is found in correction, as much as it is found in encouragement. Like a tree branch in the wind, we must learn to bend at times, in our relationships.
But who knows, what our patient love will accomplish; when in spite of what we must say, and do, We may cause the change that is necessary. We may cause the people we love to come to an understanding of God's will for their lives. That's what "long-suffering" can accomplish! GP
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