The first characteristic of love is patience according to God’s Word. [1] How many missions of love have failed due to a lack of patience with the process?
God’s love helps us to move forward when the mission is difficult. After Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, and after Peter confirmed to Jesus that he did, Jesus addressed Peter as Simon son of Jonah. Simon was Peter’s Hebrew name. His father’s name was Jonah. Peter’s witness for Christ would include going to places that he did not want to go. Like Jonah had to do! The Lord called Jonah to go to Nineveh. Jonah ran away from God, but God, in His kindness, used a big fish to help Jonah obey Him. The Lord called Peter to go to places that Peter did not want to go and to wear clothes that Peter did not choose to wear... all for love.
Jesus said to Peter, “’Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you clothed yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will clothe you and carry you where you do not wish.’ This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’” [2]
If you want patience to have its perfect work, let God’s love lead you.
“Let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” [3]
Perhaps, you grew up in a family where patience was lacking. Perhaps, you live in a culture that emphasizes competitiveness! Where “high achievers” are rewarded! I’ve been in some places where people behave like zombies. They have outer the image of a person but no love comes out from them. They are dead to love. They don’t love and they don’t understand those who do! They need God’s love.
The Psalmist asked, “Why should the nations say, ‘So where is their God?’” [4]
God is experienced via love because God is love. I can give love because God first loved me. His love for me taught me how to love those around me. [5]
Non-animate things do not love. Idols do not love those who worship them. “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear; noses they have, but they do not smell; they have hands, but they do not handle; feet they have, but they do not walk; nor do they mutter through their throat. Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them.” [6]
The God of the Bible is real. He answers prayers. God listens to me and responds to my requests in loving and generous ways. I agree with the words of the Psalmist who said: “I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications.” [7]
The Lord Jesus is full of grace and truth. He doesn’t give me what I deserve. He gives more than I deserve based on what He did for me on the cross. Jesus Christ died for me on the cross to atone for my sin. Sin kept me separated from God. But once I asked the Lord to forgive my sin, He did, and He opened the door for me to have an ongoing relationship with our loving Heavenly Abba Father. Amazing grace! [8]
I can move forward with the mission because, “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.” [9]
[1] 1 Corinthians 13:4
[2] John 21:18-19
[3] James 1:4
[4] Psalm 115:2
[5] 1 John 4:8, 19
[6] Psalm 115:4-8
[7] Psalm 116:1
[8] John 1:14; Ephesians 2:1-9, 14-22
[9] Psalm 116:5-7
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