Patience

One of the first attributes to describe love in 1st Corinthians is patience. Love is patient. Patience is defined as the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. So, I won't get mad when things don't go my way because "I love you." I understand that delay is not denial, and trouble doesn't last always. Love is long-suffering. So, the next time my tween gets short with me or my husband forgot to do something on his "honey-do" list, I will exhibit patience. Patience is a virtue that is learned by trial and error. 

Love Works

I facilitated a Lunch and Learn series at my old job based on the book, "Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leadership" by Joel Manby. The principles in this book are based on the biblical principles of love discussed in 1 Corinthians: patience, kindness, trust, unselfishness, truth, forgiveness, and dedication. For eight weeks, we discussed and brainstormed strategies on how to improve the workplace and implement the principles of Love Works. Each week, it became clearer that I worked in a toxic environment with ineffective leadership that had no desire to let love work. How many of us work and live in toxic environments? How many of us refuse to let love work because of fear? I learned that Love Works when you let it. Love Works when you are willing to do the work. Love Works when you let go of fear and doubt and insecurity. Love works when you trust. Love works when you believe that love truly does cover a multitude of sins. Love works when you let love conquer all.