Loving People Isn't EasySample

Love is patient

It lets the other person finish their sentence.
It listens carefully.
It gives people second chances.
It gives people 17456 chances too.
It isn't frazzled quickly.
It doesn't scare easy.
It lets others go first.
It is calm in a storm.
It expects little and gives selflessly.
It isn't anxious about tomorrow and impulsive without caution.

It accepts more, advises less.
It cares more, corrects less.
It affirms more, admonishes less.
It encourages more, expects less.
It isn't frustrated with people's flaws.

It doesn't try to fix others.
It tries to be there for them in their brokenness.
It shows up when someone is suffering.
It upholds them in prayer.
When someone is at their worst,
it wishes them the best.

And, when it feels like things are never going to change…
Love waits.

Love is patient.

A few self-reflection questions:

1. Do your family and close friends describe you as “patient”?
2. How can you work on loving people you often get impatient with?
3. What are some situations that make you impatient, and how can you practice learning to wait?

Journalling Prompt:

Get your journal out and write down the phrase “­­_______ is PATIENT” (insert your name in the blank space). Now, use your creativity through words, art, painting, doodling, or whatever your creative expression is to bring this page alive intentionally – in a way that you’d remember to practice being patient and loving others like 1 Cor 13 expects us to.