The Bible has a lot to say about love and patience. These two qualities go hand-in-hand in building strong, lasting relationships – whether with family, friends, or significant others. When we choose to be patient and loving, we reflect God’s character and bring blessings to those around us.
Be patient bearing with one another in love
What does it mean to be patient and bear with one another?
Being patient means showing tolerance, restraint and perseverance even when facing difficult circumstances or the weaknesses and shortcomings of others. To “bear with one another” takes patience a step further – it requires us to carry, support and endure through love.
Why should we be patient and bear with one another?
- Because none of us are perfect – we all have areas where we fall short
- It builds unity, harmony and healthy relationships
- It reflects Christ’s love for us, as he bears with our own imperfections
- It aligns with the nature and character of God, who is patient and long-suffering
- Being impatience can lead to more discord, conflict and strife
How can we grow in patience and in bearing with one another?
- Remember how patient God has been with you
- Pray daily for more patience and love
- Be quick to forgive; don’t keep record of wrongs
- Focus on listening and understanding, not just reacting
- Give people the benefit of the doubt
- Ask God to reveal your own blind spots and weaknesses
Be patient bible verses
The Bible is filled with verses about the importance and blessings of patience. Here are some key verses to reflect on.
Old Testament Bible Verses About Patience
The book of Proverbs extols the wisdom and character that comes with patience:
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” (Proverbs 14:29)
“A patient man has great power, and a patient spirit is better than the proud spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
In adversity, the prophet Isaiah points to patient endurance:
“It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:26)
New Testament Bible Verses About Patience
Jesus and the apostles Paul and James all emphasized patience in teaching.
“Love is patient, love is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)
Key Exhortations to Patience in Relationships
The way we treat one another is a proving ground for patience:
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another…” (Colossians 3:12-13)
Bible chapters about patience
There are several key Bible chapters that focus extensively on patience and enduring through suffering or trials. Understanding the context deepens the meaning of these passages about patience.
James 1: Patience Through Trials
James chapter 1 starts by urging believers to “count it all joy” when they face “trials of various kinds.” (v.2) This seems counterintuitive – but James explains that God uses trials to test and strengthen our faith and develop perseverance. Only through persevering under trial does “steadfastness have its full effect.” (v.4) The goal and reward is to become “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (v.4)
So difficulties are not in vain, but serve spiritual growth – if we endure patiently. Impatience can lead to *“double-mindedness” that makes us unstable, unchecked by God (v.8). The crown comes to those who persevere under trial.
2 Peter 1: Patience in Godliness
2 Peter 1 presents a long chain of spiritual virtues leading upward in fruitfulness – starting with faith and culminating in love. The penultimate virtue before the pinnacle of love is patience/steadfastness. Why patience?
Peter says if believers “possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (v.8) Conversely, impatience leads to ineffectiveness and lack of maturity. But patient endurance leads upward into full fruitfulness of godly character.
Revelation 2-3: Patience in Suffering
In Jesus’ letters to seven churches in Revelation 2-3, he repeatedly commends and urges patience amidst suffering – this was a timely exhortation to believers facing persecution for their faith.
To Smyrna facing persecution and poverty, Jesus upholds their patient faith: *“I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich)…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (2:9-10) To Philadelphia, he promises to keep them “from the hour of trial that is coming” (3:10) – if they hold fast to what they have. For persevering saints, Jesus gives promise of eternal reward and blessings for those who endure.
Bible passage love is patient
One of the most famous Bible passages about love – found in 1 Corinthians 13 – starts out by identifying patience as the very first quality love displays. What does this teach about biblical love and patience?
Love Bears, Believes, Hopes and Endures
After stating “Love is patient, love is kind” (v.4), Paul elaborates further aspects of biblical love:
“[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (v.7)
To bear, believe, hope and endure all things requires tremendous sustained patience towards others. This passage elevates patience as an indispensable feature of unconditional, Christ-like love.
Love Perseveres
The ending crescendo of this Love Chapter declares,
“Love never ends…So now faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (v. 8, 13)
While lesser spiritual gifts cease, faith hopes fades, love – undergirded by patience – continues on forever. Love perserveres through anything life brings, even into eternity. Unlike emotional affection, true biblical love is anchored in unwavering commitment to the beloved.
Love Reflects Divine Patience
In fact, the very capacity for human love and patience comes from being made in the image of God. God’s unconditional love towards us, despite our chronic weakness and failures, gives us a pattern for patient love.
“God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared…” (1 Peter 3:20)”The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise but is patient toward you, not wishing anyone to perish.” (2 Peter 3:9)
As recipients of divine patience, we have no right to be impatient with others. Patience is the heartbeat of love… without it, relationships wither.
Bible quote love is patient
In assessing the connection between love and patience, one of the most important Bible verses to reflect upon is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4:
“Love is patient, love is kind…”
This verse sets patience as the lead descriptive trait of God-honoring love. Why does patience hold this preeminent position?
Patience Protects
Impatience often leads to speaking harshly, making unfair accusations, or forsaking others when they disappoint. But patience prevents the erosion of trust and intimacy. It restrains reckless reactions, protecting the bond of love.
Patience Builds Up
A patient, long-term approach to cultivating relationships gradually builds depth and strength over time. Patience invests in consistent care more than temporary noise or quick-fixes. It enables slow but steady growth.
Patience Hopes
When we lose heart or doubt others can improve, patience maintains hope and keep working constructively. It sees trials as opportunities to overcome. Patience refuses to stop believing the best in and for others.
In any relationship, patience will be tested at times… it protects unity when offenses arise. The Bible exhorts believers to “put on then, as God’s chosen ones… patience, bearing with one another.” (Colossians 3:12-13) As we show Christ-centered patience, we bless others and reflect God’s glory.
Conclusion
The Bible clearly elevates patience as an indispensable fruit of God’s Spirit and a central trait of authentic Christian love. Throughout Scripture, patience keeps company with selfless love, hope, faith, and heroic endurance that ultimately wins the prize. Going beyond passive waiting, biblical patience persistently invests in others through sacrificial love… even when results require years of bearing, believing, hoping and enduring. This agape love does “not insist on its own way” but bears the weaknesses of others… reflecting our patient Savior who endured the cross to rescue humanity.
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