Eleventh Day of Lenten Reflection: "Love is patient, love is kind"

As we enter the eleventh day of Lenten reflection, we reflect on a foundational Christian virtue encapsulated in 1 Corinthians 13:4 - "Love is patient, love is kind." This passage, often recited and celebrated, calls us back to the heart of our faith: the call to love as Christ loved us. During Lent, a season marked by introspection and penitence, these words guide us to examine the quality of love in our lives and our imitation of Christ's love.

"Love is patient" suggests a love that endures through trials and tribulations. It is a love that waits, that forgives, that gives others the benefit of the doubt. It is a love that resists the temptation to retaliate or become bitter when wronged. Patience in love reflects the patience of God with us, His continual willingness to bear with us in our weaknesses and failings.

"Love is kind" portrays a benevolent, tender, and considerate nature. Kindness in love is proactive, seeking ways to be helpful and considerate. It mirrors Jesus' own approach to people, where He met their needs, offered gentle words, and demonstrated compassion in action. This Lenten season challenges us to practice such kindness in our daily interactions, looking beyond our own needs to the welfare of others.

In a broader sense, these qualities of love are counter-cultural. In a world where impatience and unkindness are often the norms, to exhibit patience and kindness is to bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. It is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, shaping us to be more like Christ.

Lent offers an opportunity for us to grow in our capacity to love. It invites us to slow down, to become more mindful of our attitudes and actions, and to align them with the qualities described in 1 Corinthians 13. It is a time to ask ourselves: Are we patient with those around us? Are we kind, even to those who may not be kind to us?

Moreover, reflecting on "Love is patient, love is kind" during Lent leads us to the foot of the cross. It is there that we see the ultimate expression of patient and kind love. Jesus' sacrifice, a demonstration of God's immense love for us, calls us to love others with the same depth and selflessness.

As we continue through these forty days of Lenten reflection, let us embrace this call to love. Let us practice patience in moments of frustration, and kindness in the face of hostility. In doing so, we not only cultivate a deeper relationship with God but also become vessels of His love and grace in a world in desperate need of both.