4th in Mini-series Heal by Love

Following along I Corinthians 15 and Henry Drummond's small book, The Greatest Thing in the World, we now move to the portion of the passage he entitles, "The Analysis." Drummond compares Love to the compound of light that comes out through a prism in many colors.

Paul, in writing of this great thing we call love, has broken it into nine beautiful pieces:

• patience
• kindness
• generosity
• humility
• courtesy
• unselfishness
• good temper
• guilelessness
• sincerity

These are the more modern words that Drummond uses to clarify Paul's writing, for example, Paul writes, "Love suffereth long," translated "patience."

We will take one of these elements per day in this mini-series, look at it more in-depth, and find ways to apply it to our lives. Then we must each go on "watch" to do our best at maintaining it (try a 24-hour watch with each of the nine). You may not be perfect, but when you slip, just remember to come back over to the patience line.

Be patient with yourself.

Drummond notes that these nine elements make up "the stature of a perfect man" (5).

Drummond writes that patience "is the normal attitude of love; love passive, love waiting to begin; not in a hurry; calm; ready to do its work when the summons comes, but meantime wearing the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" (5). ACTION STEP: Write a few of those inspiring words on a small piece of paper and put it either in your pocket to pull out at time during the next 24-hours that you are on watch, or tape it up somewhere that you look frequently.

The angel response to my desire for healing said gently, "All you have to do is love." That is all we have to do. So, all we have to do is be patient. We must at least work on it and go on a watch. Also, please watch that you do not declare against yourself by repeating the lie, I have no patience, or I am not a patient person. We can overcome this lie. God, Love is patient, and we each reflect the one God and His true nature.

Patience. The quality of bearing provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like (Websters). It is also quiet, steady persevance, even-tempered care, and diligence.

Please add any helpful parts of that definition to that small paper you have written a few Drummond words upon.

Jesus said, "In your patience possess ye your souls" (Luke 21:19).

As a final benediction or blessing on you and your endeavors, Paul writes in Romans, "Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus" (15:5). Do your best. It's like turning to the light. Surely there will be some measure of healing and uplifting of character and nature. Your efforts are all supported by the infinite One who loves you.


Drummond, Henry (2011-01-01). The Greatest Thing in the World, Experience the Enduring Power of Love (p. 6). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.