Good morning. From time to time, I inflict upon you for our “thought for the day” a bit of a Greek language lesson. Typically, it is just a word or two that I feel are worthy of special attention and explanation. This is one of those days.
The Greek word is μακροθυμεῖ – makrothymei. You find this word in 1 Corinthians 13:4, and in a few other verses. The translation that is universally used for the word is patience. In 1 Corinthians 13:4 the word is used to describe love: Love is patient, and love is kind. It does not envy, nor does it boast, because it is not prideful.
The reason I am drawing attention to this word today is to consider how the word was used in the original Greek context. Literally, the word in Greek was used to say, to take a long time to boil.
There are ways to help water boil more quickly. You could turn up the heat, or you could cover the pot, and if old axioms are to be applied, you could try your best not to stand there and watch it.
But think of this word in the context where we read it. Regarding love, it is best to be slow-to boil patient. Regarding love, it is best to turn the burner down and to let the steam escape. Perhaps, when it comes to love it is best to give it your attention.
Patience serves to keep love boiling for the longest time. Patience serves to let the steam of anger or annoyance float away without damage.
Patience isn’t naïve, it doesn’t ignore misbehavior. But patience helps to keep all things in perspective and will not allow that which is temporarily challenging to become life changing.
Patient love waits, and listens, and learns, and grows, and matures. This is God’s love, and this is God’s patience. What a blessing it is to know that God’s love for us is the slow-to-boil kind that lets the steam escape before anger takes its toll!
Vern