Love is…
Love is patient and kind… — 1 Corinthians 13:4, ESV
Learning patience and kindness, even in difficult situations, is a journey. Both of my parents are in their eighties, living on their own and doing well. They live just down the street from us, so if anything happens, we are readily available to assist them.
When I was younger, I always looked up to my dad. He seemed to do all the right things and took care of his family. As I grew older, I began to develop my own way of thinking, and we didn’t always see eye to eye. Now, in his eighties and determined to do things his way, it can be challenging to walk out this aspect of love with kindness and patience.
Let me explain. Our grandson had his first birthday at his home, and all the family came to celebrate his special day. My daughter’s home has a staircase that goes straight up, so we were all concerned for my dad, who sometimes uses a cane to walk. Everyone made sure he got up and down the stairs safely. However, at one point in the day, without anyone noticing, my dad decided to go up the stairs on his own. He made it to the top but then fell. Thankfully, we have two nurses in our family who immediately checked him out and gave him some suggestions on what should be done until we could get him to the emergency room the next day.
At the time, we didn’t know he had broken his shoulder and knee. I told my father that I would pick him up the following morning to take him to the hospital. When I arrived at their house the next day, I found my dad in his car, trying to back out of the garage. I thought, God, You have got to be kidding me! I immediately pulled my car up behind his so he couldn’t move. Frustrated and confused, I asked myself, What is he doing?
At that moment, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to be patient and kind. It was difficult not to go off on him because I was scared for his safety. But God reminded me that He was watching over them. This situation was never just about my parents—it was about Yeshua working in me, teaching me a new level of love and kindness. Before they got in my car, I prayed for myself because I could feel fear settling in. Fear wanted to make me ignore love, justifying my reaction as caring for my parents. But I knew my response had to align with God’s will. The Bible tells us, Let all that you do be done in love.
I was reminded of when the angel, sent by God to speak with Zechariah, told him that his wife would conceive a child. Zechariah did not believe, and the angel could have been harsh in response. Instead, he spoke with love. The angel represented God the Father and responded accordingly. God is teaching us that no matter our authority or how right we feel, love is always the response He requires from us.
Key Takeaways:
Kindness will come with challenges.
Patience is a journey, not a destination.
In every situation, we must remember that we represent our Father and are called to behave like Him.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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