Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Long-suffering isn’t something most people want to work on. It’s more than simple patience. It’s allowing love to guide your patience beyond what is comfortable. To be long-suffering is to allow God to develop your patience during adversity, especially when dealing with difficult individuals. Displaying this type of patient love is a sign of a spiritually mature individual.
Kindness is similar because kindness means being useful to other people. Kindness is shown by our willingness to serve and bless others, regardless of their issues.
I Corinthians 13:4 explains that love is long-suffering and displays kindness. It also refuses to allow envy to have a part in a person’s heart. Envy is corrosive and will erode anything that love has built. Envy destroys relationships, destroys institutions, and destroys the ability for us to be used by God. Love does not envy but rejoices in the successes of others and celebrates their achievements.
Living a life where our love walk is evident can only be done through purposefully striving to act on the Word when it comes to connecting with others. That means forgiving and seeking reconciliation wherever possible. God’s love does not hold on to bitterness or resentment or keep any record of wrongs.
Practical Application
Scripture explains that the love that comes from God never fails. If you want to succeed, make it a priority to act in love. Quickly forgive others, respond the way the Holy Spirit wants you to respond and be known as someone who walks in love.