1 Corinthians 13:4 — A Love I’m Learning to Live Out💗

Lately, this verse has been sitting heavy on my heart: “Love is patient and kind.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, NLT).

I think I keep coming back to it because it reminds me of who I’m trying to become. I want to attract what I put out. I want to walk in a love that is gentle, patient, rooted, and steady — the kind of love that reflects God, not my wounds.

If I’m being honest, the hardest part for me is what happens when people disappoint me. That’s where I struggle. That’s where I start wanting to pull back. Every day feels like a quiet test — not just with others, but with myself. I’m learning that patience isn’t only something I need to give to people… it’s something I need to give to myself too.

I’m growing, and growth isn’t always pretty. Sometimes it’s slow. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it brings parts of me to the surface that I wish I could skip over. But I’m learning that none of it is wasted.

I’ve always been someone who pours into others. I love deeply. I show up with my whole heart — even when I’m not being poured back into. And after years of that, I’ve learned why I protect my peace so much. I’ve learned why I keep my circle small. I’m tired of being drained. Tired of expecting love in return and receiving silence, distance, or inconsistency instead.

Then I look at my daughter, Angelina — my biggest accomplishment. She is such a beautiful human, and I had the honor of pouring love into her. Watching who she’s becoming reminds me that my love is never wasted. It reminds me that I have the ability to nurture, to build, and to grow something meaningful. That tells me something about the kind of love God placed inside of me.

This season of my life is teaching me that I’m not failing at love — I’m growing in it. I’m learning boundaries. I’m learning patience. I’m learning that kindness starts with how I speak to myself. And I’m learning that love doesn’t mean giving everyone access to me, especially when they haven’t earned it.

I want to attract healthier relationships — friendships and connections built on intention, consistency, and care. People who value my heart the way I value theirs. People who are gentle with what I carry. People who see me the way God sees me — worthy of patience, kindness, and love that feels safe.

If you’re reading this and it resonates… if you’ve ever felt like you give love but don’t always receive it back, or you’re growing into a version of yourself you’re still learning to understand — I hope you remember this:

You’re not failing at love.
You’re growing into it.

And growth takes time.  
It takes patience.  
It takes kindness — even with yourself.

I’m learning that the more I become the person God is shaping me to be, the more I’ll attract the relationships meant to grow with me. Healthier love. Healthier connections. People who pour back into me. People who truly see me.

And through all of it, God is patient with me.

Just like love is.

In this season of your life, what part of “love is patient, love is kind” is God teaching you to grow in — patience with others, patience with yourself, or learning how to receive love in a healthier way?

✨ If this message encouraged you, my monthly Growing Faith Mystery Box is filled with faith reminders and encouragement.

💌 You can learn more here.