Our scripture for the Daily Devotional today is taken from Luke 15: 20-32. The scripture from yesterday starts with “Love is patient“! Is it not amazing how patiently the father waited for his prodigal son to return? Due to his love and commitment, the father waited patiently until he could spot his son.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
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22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
How patiently have you waited on someone before? I think about the numerous times that I have waited in a government office and how impatiently I waited. Would people describe one of your character traits as patience?
The father’s compassion and love are what created his patience. Our love for someone will dictate our level of patience for them. The greater the love, the more patient we will be with them. When last did you fly off the handle at someone that you love? For how long were you patiently waiting on them?
Do you find it interesting that one of the fruits of us abiding in God is patience? As we take on God’s character and love, His spirit will bring forth patience in our hearts, minds, and actions. If we love patiently, who knows what God can work in the lives of those around us?
Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that You have been so patient with me. Forgive me and my selfishness? I have so often not loved patiently, even though I wish to have shown and showered love on those around me. I draw closer to You to have Your love bring forth greater patience in my attitudes and life.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen