It’s truly ironic when the person who becomes a “poster child” for something was the exact opposite of that trait, behavior, or thing at another point in life. And sometimes people who think they don’t possess a trait actually do display it more than they are aware.

Starting in on a new month with another profile, this week’s figure may not have been particularly noted for his patience, especially in his earlier years. He was a perfectionist and legalistic at every turn. And his zeal to make sure others did what he thought was “right” led him to become an informant, a bounty hunter, and an accomplice to murder.

That was before he received his new name. One day, in a brilliant and blinding encounter, he went from being called Saul to being called Paul, a name that means small or humble. Temporarily unable to see, he was led to a safe place and nursed and healed. And after that, his life took on a whole new meaning, a whole new approach.

He was still very zealous about what he believed — in the other direction. But that encounter and the days which followed it had changed him forever. In some ways, he gained a softer touch and a deeper level of understanding towards others. He would go on to write many things about patience, both directly and indirectly. But perhaps the most famous of all those was in his attribute-laden definition of love which started right off the bat with, “Love is patient…”

What did he mean by that, saying real love was patient? I don’t think that he meant love should turn us into spineless pushovers or force us to let others treat us in dangerous or heartless ways.

But Paul had himself looked into the Face of patience when Jesus shook up his life and Paul could finally see how merciful God had been to him…even as Paul (then-Saul) had been running around killing God’s own children.

True patience reflecting true love does not need to reflect weakness. On the contrary, it is born out of a place of great strength. Strength in faith that someone can truly change with time and support. And strength in hope that the pain of the past can be forgiven and a fresh start for the future will be brighter when it finally arrives at the right time.

And these things are truly found in and truly sustained by the Savior Paul knew and loved so well for the rest of his days.