The word "love" here is translated from the Greek "Agape" which means affectionate or benevolent or unconditional love or as John Gill's Bible expository puts it "an everlasting, unchangeable, and invariable love." The King James translation in fact uses the word "charity" in place of the word love. "Charity suffereth long and is kind." (KJV)
God, who foreknew us before we were born (Rom 11:2); ordained us for a purpose, His purpose. He, therefore, must be patient with us so that we can serve out His purpose for our lives on earth. He wants us to succeed in our relationship with him and our endeavors of service for the Kingdom. Everything that happens to us good and bad are a product of his work in us.
God's kindness and patience as modeled by his son Jesus is the standard God wants us to exhibit toward our neighbors. However, God realizing we are on a journey toward that standard, does not condemn us as we develop, rather he patiently and lovingly waits for us as we reach the fullness that he desires.
My prayer: Thank you Lord for being patient and kind with us. Mold us Father into the men and women of God that you desire us to be. Help us to be more like Jesus with every passing day and use us for your purposes and glory while we are in this world. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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