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“Love Suffers Indefinitely”

Thoughts for Today:

The King James version of our passage reads: "Charity suffereth long." The Greek word for this phrase is "MAKROTHUMEO" and comes from the combination of two words. According to Strong's Concordance, "MAKROS" means "long" and "THUMOS" "temper". Therefore, long-suffering is the quality of being long-tempered or self-restrained in the face of provocation. It is not only the opposite of anger, but also a description of God's love (associated with mercy). Throughout the history of the world, God has demonstrated a tolerance for humankind's sinfulness and rebellion that is beyond any understanding.

So how patient are we to be? Jesus gives us the answer in Matthew 18:22: "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" Perhaps Peter thought Jesus would be impressed with his hyper-spirituality. But Jesus said, "You are to forgive seventy times seven." In other words, we are to forgive someone so many times that we lose track. Love never says, "I've had enough, you've hurt me too much, or your offenses are too great." Love suffers indefinitely.

Questions to Ponder:

Have you reached the end point of your patience? Aren't you glad God has not with us? We deserve punishment, yet the Lord continues to love and forgive. His instructions for us are to follow Him. (John 13:15: "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.") How will you apply this to your relationships? Who do you need to call or see?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.