Patience with one another is love that stays.
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”Ephesians 4:2 (KJV)
What does “Patience” mean in Ephesians 4:2?
The word longsuffering translates a Greek word that means slow to anger, long in temper. Forbearing means bearing with, putting up with, and making room for others.
Going deeper
Paul writes to a church made up of very different people, and he knows that relationships are tested by friction. He asks for humility, gentleness, and patience, and he names the ordinary practice of bearing with one another. It is not glamorous, but it is essential. Every family, church, and friendship needs people who are willing to stay in love when others are difficult.
Notice the phrase in love. The patience Paul describes is not clenched teeth or quiet resentment. It is patience with a warm heart. We can only do that by remembering how patient God has been with us. He has borne with our failures, our slowness, and our stubbornness, and He has not given up on us. When someone tests you this week, pause before reacting. Ask for a little of the patience God has shown you, and give it away. Patience is love that is willing to wait for someone to grow.
Reflect
Whose habits or weaknesses are testing your patience, and how can you respond with love?
Pray
Father, thank You for Your patience with me. Give me a patient heart toward the people around me, and help me to bear with them in love. In Jesus' name, amen.
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