Last Feb. 2, many experienced heavy traffic in Jaro because of the Jaro Fiesta.
Vehicles barely moved, tempers were tested, and patience was either learned or lost. Moments like this reveal something about us.
We are often patient when life flows smoothly, but easily frustrated when delayed or inconvenienced. Yet Scripture reminds us that “love is patient.” And since God is love, this means that patience is not just a human virtue, it is a divine attribute.
The question for us is this: What does it mean that God is patient, and how should that shape our lives?
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 13 to a divided and impatient church. The believers in Corinth were gifted, active, and passionate, yet often selfish, competitive, and quick to assert their rights.
Paul reminded them that love is not measured by spiritual gifts or outward success, but by Christlike character. When he described love as patient, he was pointing them back to the very nature of God Himself
First, recognize that God’s love is patient.
If God is love, then Paul’s description of love also reflects God’s character. God is patient with humanity. He is patient with sinners, patient with Israel’s repeated failures, and patient with the disciples’ misunderstandings.
God does not rush judgment nor give up easily. His patience allows time for repentance, growth, and transformation. What feels like delay to us is often grace at work.
Knowing that God is patient should give us hope. We are still growing, still learning, still being shaped. God has not abandoned us because of our weaknesses. His patience invites us to trust Him and continue walking faithfully, even when change seems slow.
Second, learn to reflect God’s patience in daily life.
If we belong to a patient God, we are called to reflect that patience in everyday situations, even in traffic jams and interruptions. Patience is not a weakness. It is strength under control. It shows that we trust in God’s sovereignty.
Let moments of delay become moments of discipleship. When traffic slows, plans are interrupted, or people test our limits, choose patience as an act of faith. Ask God to shape your reactions so that others may see His love through you.
The traffic in Jaro during the Feb. 2 celebration reminds us that patience is not learned in comfort but in inconvenience. As we reflect on God’s patient love, may we become more patient people.
When we slow down, trust God’s timing, and respond with grace, we reflect the love of a God who has been patiently loving us all along.
Remember 2 Peter 3:9 which says, “The Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” | NWI
