Reflection:
When we are loving toward others, we begin to resemble God, we bring to the forefront the image of God that we are created in(1). People begin to see God through our love: which shows itself in our sacrifice, long-suffering patience, humility, and a faithful relationship with God.
Only if we love others and love God can we truly become patient, as St Paul describes. We often read “love is patient” but the word St Paul used was that love μακροθιμεἰ.(2) Love is long-suffering/enduring. St Paul, and many hymns, use the same word to describe Christ’s suffering and sacrifice on the Cross.
In order to be Christ-like, showing the image of God within us, we must have humility, long-suffering patience, and a trusting relationship with God. Christ shows us this by His example on the Cross, and instructs us to do the same:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”(3)
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”(4)
As we are about to witness the love of God through the long-suffering and sacrifice of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ next week, let us build one another up, always giving our time and talents with long-suffering patience to strengthen one another, while fortifying our relationship with God. Our lives will be changed forever.
Resources:
1) Genesis 1:26
2) St Paul uses the word "makrothimia" - long-suffering patience - in these passages and more: Romans 2:4, Romans 9:22, 1 Corinthians 13:4, 2 Corinthians 6:6, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 4:2
3) John 13:34
