But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:25
bible verses about true love waits
The Meaning of True Love
True love is more than just a feeling; it is a deep commitment and sacrifice for one another. When we speak about true love, we reflect on the love that Jesus has for us and the love that we should have for each other. This love is patient and kind, as stated in 1 Corinthians 13. It teaches us that love is more about giving than receiving. True love waits for the right timing because it believes in God’s plan. We can be assured that a relationship built on true love will withstand trials and leads to the fulfillment of God’s will in our lives. It encourages us to wait for the perfect moment set by God, trusting that His timing is best for us in our relationships.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. – 1 John 4:18
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:13
Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:14
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8
The Importance of Patience in Love
In our fast-paced world, patience can be a difficult virtue to practice, especially when it comes to love. However, true love waits. Learning to be patient in love means trusting that God is working things out for our good. It can be so tempting to rush into a relationship or to push things to happen according to our timeline. But, love nurtures growth; it encourages us to wait for the right moment. When we wait patiently, we provide space for trust and respect to grow, creating a stronger foundation for our relationships. Let us embrace the power of being patient in love while we allow God to lead us in making wise choices in our relationships.
James 1:4
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1:4
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23
Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. – Hebrews 10:36
True Love and Commitment
True love involves commitment. When we say we love someone, we are making a promise to stand by them through thick and thin. Our commitment allows us to wait because we value that person dearly. As believers, we are called to reflect God’s unwavering commitment to us in our relationships. This commitment leads us to decisions that honor both God and the person we love. We are reminded that true love may require waiting for the right moment, and trusting that God will provide a love that is both fulfilling and in accordance with His purpose for our lives.
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. – Ephesians 5:25
Proverbs 3:3-4
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. – Proverbs 3:3-4
Song of Solomon 8:7
Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned. – Song of Solomon 8:7
Philippians 2:2
Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. – Philippians 2:2
Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. – Romans 13:10
Faith in God’s Timing
Believing in God’s timing is crucial for experiencing true love that waits. At times, we feel an urge to rush into relationships without allowing God’s plan to unfold. Our faith should remind us that God knows our needs and desires better than we do. He has a purpose for every step we take, and sometimes that means waiting. By placing our trust in Him, we can be assured that our waiting will result in something beautiful. God’s timing is perfect, which gives us the comfort that every period of waiting serves a significant purpose on our journey to finding true love.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
Psalms 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. – Psalms 27:14
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. – Proverbs 19:21
Habakkuk 2:3
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. – Habakkuk 2:3
Encouragement for Those Who Wait
For those of us currently waiting for love, it can be easy to feel discouraged or even lonely at times. However, we should remember that waiting is not a sign of failure. Instead, it’s an opportunity for growth and preparation for what God has in store for us. With our hearts grounded in Scripture and faith, we can pray for guidance and direction while continuing to trust in God’s timing. Waiting allows us to strengthen our character and be better prepared for a loving relationship. Let us encourage one another as we navigate this period of expectation together, knowing that the wait can produce beauty and blessings in our lives.
Psalms 37:7
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. – Psalms 37:7
Isaiah 30:18
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore, he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! – Isaiah 30:18
Psalms 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. – Psalms 31:24
Romans 15:5-6
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 15:5-6
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1
Love as a Reflection of God
Our love should mirror the love that God has for us. When we practice true love that waits, we reflect His character to the world. God’s love is unconditional, waiting for us to return to Him no matter how long it takes. By learning to wait in love, we exemplify faithfulness and commitment, showing others what true love looks like. As we grow in love that is patient and kind, we draw closer to God, allowing His love to transform our hearts and shine through us. It is in this reflection of love that we find our true selves and gain the strength to wait for love that is authentic and God-ordained.
1 John 3:1
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. – 1 John 3:1
John 13:34
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34
Psalms 136:26
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. – Psalms 136:26
1 Corinthians 16:14
Do everything in love. – 1 Corinthians 16:14
1 John 4:7
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. – 1 John 4:7
Final Thoughts
True love waits, and this theme resonates deeply throughout the Scriptures. Whether we look at the depth of commitment found in love or the importance of being patient, the consistent message is clear: waiting enriches our relationships and helps us grow closer to God. Our journey of love is about trusting God’s timing, which can often challenge us but ultimately rewards us with something beautiful and meaningful. Together, we are reminded that as we wait, we should focus on developing our character and reflecting God’s love.
As we reflect on the aspects of waiting for true love, we can encourage others on similar journeys. It’s a journey that involves faith, patience and a heart willing to trust in God’s plans. We all benefit when we hold on to the hope that love, indeed, will come in due time. Let’s embrace this divine waiting period with open hearts, looking forward to the promises God has for us.
If you’d like to explore more topics on love and encouragement in relationships, check out our resources on love and encouragement or learn how to keep God at the center of your relationship by visiting keeping God at the center of your marriage.