“It’s about time!” I said as I plopped my items on the checkout counter at the local drugstore. As soon as the words came out, my face burned with embarrassment.

“I’m so sorry,” I quickly said to the cashier.

I wasn’t the only one who was frustrated by the way the cashier laughed and chatted with a coworker between customers. But I knew my tone wasn’t what Jesus’ would have been. I wish it was rare for me to show such impatience. It sobers me when I wonder how badly I may have affected their day with my rudeness.

In the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13 is often referred to as the “love chapter.” The first three verses clearly state we are nothing (a “useless nobody” AMPC) whenever we do anything without love.

This week we begin to focus on how love behaves by looking at 1 Corinthians 13:4 (ESV):

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.

If the English Standard Version isn’t convicting enough, let’s read the same verse in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition:

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

If we were to grade ourselves on how well we live out each command in this verse, what kind of grade would we give ourselves? Would our spouses give us the same score? What about our children?

What about God?

Perhaps our answers will motivate us to meditate on – and apply – 1 Corinthians 13:4 with renewed determination. In order to glean all we can from this packed verse, let’s focus on one challenge per week.

This week, we’ll focus on patience.

As we think about God’s patience toward us, perhaps we’ll behave more patiently as we extend grace toward our spouses, children, fellow drivers, phone systems that keep us on hold, and yes, even inconsiderate store cashiers. With God’s help, I want to live and speak in a way that will change another person’s day in a positive way, don’t you?

This certainly would be better than having to apologize for my rudeness at the checkout line – again.

Let’s pray:

Father, forgive us for our sinful reactions when someone doesn’t “treat us right.” Teach us what it means to endure long instead of responding with a knee-jerk reaction to others’ inconsiderate and rude behavior. Fill us with Your love and patience as we recall how often others – and You – have been patient toward us. Amen.

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)

• Would you be willing to seek God’s help to be more patient with “that” person for the rest of today, one instance at a time?

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