I’ve long thought that I am a patient person, I can stand in lines forever and can count the times I’ve raised my voice on my fingers, but there is a difference between being patient and being quiet. Being quiet usually stems from not willing to engage in the situation because of fear of backlash, being shy, or just being able to adapt and not being bothered by abrupt changes. Being patient is a response in kindness that the readings call us to today.

“"Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.”

 As humans, we are never going to be perfect, we are going to make mistakes for the rest of our lives, and Jesus knows that. That is why there is no limit God’s forgiveness, no cap to going to confession or seeking to better our relationship with God. Putting a number to forgiveness would be putting a price on God’s love for us, which is immeasurable! Jesus knows this but He wants us to realize that this is how we must treat others. God wants to fill our hearts with His love for us so that we may spread that love in patience to our brothers and sisters. How many more times should you forgive your sister for forgetting to mail you something you needed? How many more times should you not be annoyed that that friend that is always late is 5 more minutes late this time? As many times as they do it. I think loving someone in their imperfectness gives us a glimpse of how God can love us in our imperfectness. I hope we can all find moments this Lent to practice patience, to really respond in kindness to someone and not expect anything in return, not expect that maybe they will change their behavior or apologize, but enjoy God’s love as the best gift in our lives.

If you are looking for some musical meditation for reflection of God’s love, Holy Spirit by Jesus Culture is one of my favorite songs.