In a world filled with impatience and unkindness, God calls us to something greater. When we choose to live out God’s love, we make a conscious decision to respond differently to life’s challenges. The way we treat others reflects our understanding of how God has treated us.
What does it mean to live out God’s love?
Living out God’s love fulfills the commitment to demonstrate God’s character in our daily interactions. This isn’t about perfection but about progress—making intentional choices to respond with patience and kindness even when it’s difficult.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians specifically about love because they were struggling with how to love well. These were educated, well-off people who needed guidance on demonstrating Christ-like love in their community.
How does God describe His own character?
In Exodus 34:6-7, we see God describing Himself to Moses:
“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished.”
This passage reveals two essential characteristics of God that we’re called to emulate:
- Patience – God describes Himself as “slow to anger” (in Hebrew, this literally means “slow to let your nostrils flare”)
- Kindness – God is “compassionate and gracious” and “abounding in love”
These same qualities appear in 1 Corinthians 13:4: “Love is patient, love is kind.”
What choice do we face every day?
Every day, we have a fundamental choice to make:
- Me-focused: Leading to impatience and unkindness
- Love-focused: Demonstrating patience and kindness
When we choose to be me-focused, we react poorly. Our “nostrils flare,” we attack, and relationships suffer. This approach manifests negative outcomes in marriages, parenting, and work relationships.
When we choose to be love-focused, patience and kindness naturally flow. This happens when we:
- Gaze up at God
- Are honest with Him
- Glance at problems (rather than fixating on them)
- Make conscious efforts to let everything be done in love
How can we give kindness to others?
The Greek word for kindness in 1 Corinthians 13:4 is “chrestuitai,” meaning to give goodwill to someone—showing grace they may not deserve in the moment.
Throughout history, God has demonstrated this kindness:
- With Adam and Eve after they sinned
- During the flood, saving Noah’s family
- In the Exodus, delivering His people
- After the golden calf incident
- Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross
Ephesians 4:32 commands us: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
How can we take patience with others?
The Greek word for patience in 1 Corinthians 13:4 is “makrotheumai,” which means slowing things down. This isn’t about being a doormat or people-pleaser—it’s about responding thoughtfully rather than reacting emotionally.
God has shown incredible patience:
- With humanity throughout history
- With each of us personally
Jesus demonstrated this ultimate patience on the cross when He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
What does healthy patience look like in difficult relationships?
Healthy patience doesn’t mean accepting abuse or inappropriate behavior. Sometimes love requires:
- Setting boundaries
- Establishing expectations
- Speaking the truth in love
David Towner is the Pastor of The Harbor Church in Odessa, Fl and author of the book Today Is My Favorite Day. He is Tonya’s husband, father to three girls, and grandfather to four grandsons.
