When John Ortberg was on the staff of a huge church in Chicago, he found himself completely wrapped up in and consumed by the busy pace of the environment. He was moving fast and doing amazing things for God. The church was growing, he was preaching great sermons and helping all kinds of people, but he felt like he was dying spiritually. Concerned, he called his mentor, Dallas Willard, and asked him what he needed to do to be spiritually healthy. Dallas gave a long pause and he slowly said, “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” Another long pause followed and John said, “Okay, I’ve written that one down. What else is there?” He was anxious to cram as many units of spiritual wisdom into the least amount of time possible since they were on a long distance call. Dallas replied one more time, “There is nothing else. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”

Friend, hurry stifles love. In 1 Corinthians 13, when Paul talks about love, the first thing he says is that it’s patient. Love is patient. Do you want to live a loving life? Be patient. Do you want to experience more love in your life in the form of good friendships or a good marriage? You must stop hurrying; be patient, relax and it will come to you. Kindness, humility and all the other fruit of love will follow you as you cultivate patience. Ruthlessly eliminate hurry and watch as your life turns around and your influence expands!