love is patient

the koine greek word for "patient" in vs. 4 is makrothumeo. it literally means "to be of a long spirit." colloquially, perhaps better defined as having a long fuse. it is characteristic of someone who is long-suffering, who has the power to retaliate but withstands being repeatedly wronged without the desire for nor even the thought of revenge. God is love, hence in ch.13, one can replace all the words "love" for "God" and it would be an accurate description of his character.

"Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" - Romans 2:4 ; God is patient with us, giving us the opportunity to repent.

"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9 ; The Lord is patient in returning in judgement because he wants all to repent. His desire is not that any perish but that all men are saved and reconciled back to Himself.