Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. I Corinthians 13:4-7
As promised, this is the first expository message on love and its' characteristics. You'll note the first characteristic is patience. I never thought impatience was an issue until I read 1 Corinthians 13.
Personally, I don't believe that impatience is independently sinful, it is the root of our impatience that is a problem. In my life there are two primary sources of impatience: pride and fear. Fear is manifested as I relate to my children. If they don't measure up to my expectations (or others) I feel like I've failed. Therefore, I grow impatient with them when they are sometimes simply being children. Pride, however, is the worst offender. It manifest as an unwillingness to wait on God's timing because of a sense of entitlement. Yes. Confession is good for the soul!
This series is not meant to condemn anyone. I sincerely pray that it encourages each of you to examine your love walk so that you can come up to higher levels. I'm a witness as you grow in love, you'll grow in liberty and victory over your situation. By acknowledging areas you fail in and applying God's grace, it frees you from the condemnation.
I encourage each of you this week to note areas of impatience in your life. Ask God to give you wisdom on the root cause and pray for strength to overcome. You'll be a better witness for Him in the end. Be encouraged!
