Love Is Patient – Even When We Aren’t

 

Love Is Patient – Even When We Aren’t
Carl and I don’t have a drama-filled marriage. We’re grateful for that. But like every couple, we’ve had moments where patience was tested and grace had to be chosen on purpose. The beautiful thing? We’ve learned how to navigate those moments with love that listens, holds back words when needed, and always leans into peace. Real love isn’t about perfection -- it’s about the willingness to grow together, gently and faithfully.

Love, -- real love, does the work. Of course I’m talking about the real work in us Who comes through the real Worker/Referee in our marriage Who is God, Himself. He always reckons with us in patience and love.

Recently, I spotted a little table plaque that now sits front and center on our coffee table -- right where we have our morning devotions together. Big bold letters read:
LOVE IS PATIENT
…and then it continues, “and kind. Love never gives up. Never loses faith. Is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance. Three things will last forever -- faith, hope, and love -- and the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 7, 13)

It’s more than a table decoration -- it’s a daily reminder of how God loves us and how He invites us to be more like Him in loving others.

Our favorite time of day is our morning devotions together. It’s rare that any disagreement dares to show up when we’re sitting with the Prince of Peace. Those sacred moments become our healing ground.

God is the third person in our triangle, and somehow, He always levels the playing field. He reminds us: “It’s not about who wins the argument but who chooses love.”

Isn’t that what patience is? Choosing love before we choose words. Choosing peace before we choose to pout.

I think back to when I played referee between my kids. Victory wasn’t in the punishment -- it was in the apology, the hug, the healing. And now, as grown-ups, we are learning to let God be the Referee. He’s always fair. Always loving. Always right.

To every couple, every friend, every sibling -- when tensions rise, pause and let LOVE Himself settle it. Patience is never weakness -- it’s strength wrapped in grace.

Love never gives up. And that, dear friends, is worth holding onto and living every day! By the way, I LOVE YOU and YOU and YOU!