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Love Is Patient.

Learning to love requires patience, but let’s face it—patience doesn’t come naturally for all of us. In my book, What Is Love? by Abigail Atkins (available on Amazon), I dive into the importance of patience and how it’s a foundational element of love. If you’ve read the first chapter, you already know that practicing patience is key. It’s a skill we need to cultivate with ourselves, with others, and throughout life.

The Bible reminds us that “God’s mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). God’s love is patient and long-suffering, and He extends that same love, patience, and mercy to us. It’s crucial to reflect this by offering ourselves grace as we learn and grow.

Being patient with others can be even more challenging. There’s always that one person who seems to test our patience around every corner. You might be picturing them right now! Whether it’s tomorrow or in the next hour, you’ll likely encounter a moment where your patience is put to the test. When it happens, I encourage you to practice patience with them. And if you fall short, ask for forgiveness and try again. Just as you need God’s mercy on this journey, they may need your love and grace as well.

I’m not asking you to move mountains for someone else. Simply take a moment to breathe and try to be patient. You’ll find that with practice, it becomes easier.

Patience in Action: A Craft to Practice Love

To bring this lesson to life, let’s practice patience through a simple but meaningful arts and crafts project: making friendship bracelets!

Friendship bracelets are a perfect way to strengthen patience. While they take time to create, the process is a tangible reminder of the beauty of patience. For my bracelet, I used embroidery thread and tied in the word “patience” to serve as a daily reminder. You can create your own version, whether it’s a bracelet for yourself or a gift for someone else as a token of love.

Want to add an extra layer of meaning? Make a bracelet to remind someone to be patient with you as you develop this skill. Whether you choose to follow my tutorial or create your own design, the goal is to embrace patience throughout the process.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rush! Use this craft as an opportunity to reflect on how patience is working in your life.

Part 2: Delayed Gratification—Rediscovering the Art of Waiting

We live in a world of instant gratification, where waiting has become a rare practice. Shortcuts are everywhere: microwaved meals, pre-scheduled coffee brews, grocery delivery apps, and even fast food ready for pickup at the tap of a button. While these conveniences make life easier (and I admit, I love them!), they’ve also gotten me out of practice with patience.

Writing this book has been a humbling reminder of how much I rely on shortcuts and how they’ve shaped my expectations. The good news? Patience can be relearned through intentional practice.

Patience Challenge: Small Steps, Big Impact

Here are a few practical ways to practice patience in a world full of quick fixes:

Wait in the longest line at the store and use the time to reflect or pray.
Let someone skip ahead of you in line.
Take up a hobby that requires patience, like crocheting or knitting.
Cook a meal from scratch, investing time and care in each step.
Buy fresh peas from a farmer’s market and shell them yourself.

In relationships, patience is especially vital. While dating apps can fast-track meeting people, true connection requires time and effort. Whether you’re starting or maintaining a relationship, remember that love is patient. Take your time, be present, and give it your best effort.

A Kind Reminder

The kindest thing you can do is be patient with yourself. If you’re like me, you may struggle and stumble along the way. That’s okay—it’s part of the process. Learning patience takes time and practice. It’s not an overnight change, and that’s perfectly fine.

As you go through this journey, remind yourself of this truth: love is patient, love is kind. Be mindful, give yourself grace, and don’t give up. Every small step you take is progress worth celebrating.

💛 Want more devotionals and crafts? Explore What Is Love? by Abigail Atkins, available on Amazon, for deeper reflections and creative ways to bring Scripture to life. Let’s keep growing together!

What Is Love.pdf

Click the top corner of the photo to download the pdf to share with your Bible study group.

Take the Next Step on Your Journey of Love 💛
Did this devotional and craft inspire you? Dive deeper into the beautiful truths of love with my book, What is Love? by Abigail Atkins, available on Amazon. Each chapter offers heartfelt insights, reflections, and actionable steps to embrace love in all its forms.

✨ Order your copy today to explore more thought-provoking studies that bring Scripture to life.

📲 Let’s connect! Follow me for more inspiration, craft ideas, and behind-the-scenes moments:

Pinterest: pinterest.com/chalkconfetti for faith-filled projects and ideas
Instagram: instagram.com/chalkconfetti for daily encouragement and reels
TikTok: tiktok.com/@chalkconfetti for creative content and fun crafts
Facebook: facebook.com/chalkandconfetti to join the conversation and share your journey

📸 Don’t forget to tag me in your creations—I’d love to see how you’re living out love!

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