Love is Patient, Love is Kind

It's amazing to think that we are loved with an everlasting love. One that began before the creation of the world and one that will run through all of eternity.

“At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.” This is what the LORD says: “The people who survive the sword will find favour in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.” The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 31:1-3 NIV)

What is this love like? In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul gives us a glimpse of what the Father's love is like. Of course, when we read this we try and measure love by our human standards. We can't grasp love with our mind, we need to receive it in our heart. When we try and measure it we will inevitably limit it to the extent of our own understanding. It is, however, limitless.

His love is infinitely patient. Our humanity has limits, our patience runs out or is stretched (and we all have a limit beyond which we don't want to be stretched). He constantly perseveres for us as his love "always protects, always trusts and always hopes" (verse 7).

He can be infinitely patient because he is infinitely kind. Kindness is not an 'on the surface reaction' it has depth. It sees a need and is prepared to take action; it goes beyond false cheer as we have a loving Father who wants to bring change in our lives. Not a change that seeks to condemn but one seeking our good. Kindness will always seek to do something. 

Our Father is immeasurably kind as he draws us into a transformation whereby we are made more like his son, Jesus.