The Bible says, “Love is patient.” But what does that really mean — especially when it comes to parenting?
I thought I understood this verse. I’ve quoted it. I’ve taught it. I’ve even written about it. But I just learned something deeper about this passage during my morning jog with my son, Caleb.
Because of the typhoon, classes were canceled. But by morning, the sky was already clear and the sun was shining. Caleb woke up early, full of energy, so I thought, Why not bring him along with me?
At first, everything felt great. We started jogging side by side, breathing in the cool morning air. I felt that familiar rhythm in my body — the pace, the momentum, the feeling of moving forward.
But after a few minutes, I noticed Caleb slowing down.
His steps became shorter. His breathing heavier. I could see it in his face — he was trying his best, but he just couldn’t keep up with my speed.
And then came the moment of tension.
Part of me wanted to keep going.
I didn’t want to lose my rhythm.
I didn’t want to slow down.
But when I looked at him again — this small boy doing everything he could just to stay beside me — something inside me shifted.
So I slowed down.
I matched his pace. I stayed with him.
And that’s when a verse suddenly came to my mind:
“Love is patient.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4
It hit me harder than I expected.
Parenting Lesson You and I should Learn
In that moment, I realized something uncomfortable about myself.
I often think of patience as something abstract — waiting in line, sitting in traffic, dealing with delays.
But real patience looks like this:
Slowing down when you don’t want to.
Adjusting when it’s inconvenient.
Choosing relationship over speed.
As parents, we fall into this quiet trap.
We think:
“If I can do this, my child should be able to do it too.”
“If I understand this, why don’t they?”
“Why are they so slow?”
And we forget something crucial.
They are still growing.
Still learning.
Still developing — emotionally, mentally, spiritually.
Love is not just about providing.
Not just about teaching.
Not just about correcting.
Love is about meeting them where they are.
That’s exactly how God treats us.
If God expected us to grow at His pace, we would all fail instantly. Yet He doesn’t abandon us for being slow. He doesn’t walk ahead and leave us behind.
He stays with us.
He adjusts to us.
He patiently leads us, step by step, day by day.
God’s love is not rushed.
And neither should ours be.
Letting God Parent Us
That jog with Caleb reminded me of something deeper:
Parenting is not about raising fast children.
It’s about raising faithful ones.
Not perfect kids.
Not impressive kids.
But godly kids.
Children who grow up knowing:
- God is patient with them.
- Their parents are patient with them.
- And spiritual growth is a journey, not a race.
But the truth is, no one really teaches us how to do this.
Most of us are just repeating what we experienced.
Reacting.
Improvising.
Hoping we’re doing it right.
That’s exactly why we created our online course:
“How to Raise Godly Children.”
Not a theoretical course.
Not a guilt-based course.
But a practical, biblical, real-life guide for Christian parents who genuinely want to disciple their children — not just manage them.
Here’s what I want you to know
If you’re a parent who wants to:
- Be more patient instead of constantly frustrated
- Lead your children spiritually, not just emotionally
- Raise kids who actually know and love God
- Build a Christ-centered home in a digital, distracted world
Then I invite you to join us.
You can start for free today, no commitment required.
And if it blesses you and you want to go deeper, you can unlock the full course by becoming a Patreon member.
Not because we want to sell you something.
But because we want to walk with you — at your pace — in one of the most important callings God has ever given you.
Just like that morning jog with my son reminded me:
Love doesn’t rush ahead.
Love stays.
Love slows down.
Love is patient.
Do you want to learn more about parenting straight from the Bible? Join our Bible study course, “Raising Godly Children.” Learn parenting straight from the best parent in the world, our Heavenly Father. Join us now!