Love is patient

Available for 27 days

A reflection and prayer to start the day with Ruth Jennings Good morning. I have great admiration for people who are very patient. Those who can calmly wait when they’re number 17 on the phone queue to speak to a doctor? Or patiently accept that two buses haven’t arrived at the timetabled time and now they’ll definitely be late? Or slow to anger when the family don’t bother putting their dishes in the dishwasher for 3rd time that day? I have admiration for people like that Earlier this year, I decided to try to teach my 7 year old how to ride a bike without stabilisers. He is not a natural sportsman and has always struggled with balance and coordination. However, I think that learning to ride a bike is an important life skill. Let’s just say, he didn’t enjoy the process of learning. There was literal blood, sweat and tears. After several months, he’d lost patience with the bike, and I’d lost my rag with him.I eventually paid a lovely (and very patient) lady to take over the teaching of the bike riding. I can tell you that now, he is speeding around on his bike and it’s an absolute joy to watch. I am of course a dreadful example of patience, because I had to outsource the teaching. But Jesus is a perfect example. He displayed remarkable patience towards the people who opposed and plotted against Him. He answered their challenges without ever lashing out in anger. At the cross Jesus endured intense mocking, abuse and pain, but patiently chose to fulfil God's plan of salvation. Heavenly Father, In your word, it says that love is patient. Please help us show patience and grace towards others, and to follow your perfect example, of being slow to anger and quick to love. Amen