What Does It Mean for Love to Suffer Long? Understanding Patience in Relationships

What Does It Mean for Love to Suffer Long?

Love is a word that is thrown around a lot these days. We say we love our family, our friends, our pets, our favorite foods, and our hobbies. But what does it truly mean to love someone? And what does it mean to suffer long in love?

As Christians, we look to the Bible for answers to these questions. In 1 Corinthians 13:4, the apostle Paul tells us that “love is patient” or, as some translations put it, “love suffers long.” This is the first attribute of love listed in this famous passage that describes the characteristics of love.

Love Is More Than a Feeling

Before we dive deeper into what it means for love to suffer long, we need to understand that love is more than just a feeling. Love is a choice. It is a decision to put the needs of someone else above our own. Jesus demonstrated this kind of love when he died on the cross for our sins. He chose to suffer and die for us because he loved us.

So when we talk about love, we are not just talking about warm feelings or romantic gestures. We are talking about a sacrificial love that is willing to suffer for the sake of others.

What Does It Mean to Suffer Long?

So what does it mean for love to suffer long? The Greek word used in 1 Corinthians 13:4 for “patient” or “longsuffering” is makrothymeo, which literally means “to be long-tempered.” It is the opposite of being quick-tempered or short-fused.

When we love someone, we choose to be patient with them. We choose to put up with their faults and shortcomings. We choose to give them the benefit of the doubt. We choose to forgive them when they hurt us. This kind of love requires a lot of self-control and humility.

It’s important to note that being patient doesn’t mean we just sit around and wait for things to happen. Patience is an active choice to wait and trust in God’s timing. It’s a choice to keep loving even when things are difficult. It’s a choice to keep serving even when we don’t feel appreciated.

Examples of Longsuffering Love in the Bible

The Bible is filled with examples of longsuffering love. One of the most famous examples is the story of Hosea and Gomer in the book of Hosea. God commanded the prophet Hosea to marry a prostitute named Gomer as a symbol of God’s love for his unfaithful people. Despite Gomer’s repeated unfaithfulness, Hosea chose to love her and take her back each time. This is a powerful picture of God’s love for us and our tendency to wander away from him.

Another example of longsuffering love is found in the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery out of jealousy, but God used him to save his family from famine. When Joseph was reunited with his brothers years later, he chose to forgive them and show them kindness instead of seeking revenge.

Jesus is the ultimate example of longsuffering love. He endured ridicule, rejection, and ultimately death on the cross for the sake of our salvation. He chose to love us even when we were his enemies.

Why Is Longsuffering Love Important?

Longsuffering love is important for several reasons. First, it reflects God’s character. The Bible tells us that God is slow to anger and abounding in love (Psalm 103:8). When we show longsuffering love to others, we are reflecting God’s love to them.

Second, longsuffering love is essential for healthy relationships. We all have faults and make mistakes, and if we are quick to give up on people when they let us down, we will never have deep, meaningful relationships. Choosing to love someone in spite of their faults and weaknesses is what builds strong, lasting relationships.

Finally, longsuffering love is necessary for our own spiritual growth. When we choose to love someone who is difficult to love, we are forced to rely on God’s strength and grace. We learn to extend the same mercy and forgiveness that God has shown us. We become more like Jesus.

Conclusion

Love is patient, and love suffers long. This kind of love is not always easy, but it is essential for healthy relationships and spiritual growth. As we strive to love others as Jesus loves us, let us remember that love is more than a feeling; it is a choice to put others first and to trust in God’s timing and grace.