Wednesday, February 8, 2023

“bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

1 Corinthians 13:7

Have you ever learned something about someone that could have been harmful if exposed, but you chose to keep your mouth shut to cover that person’s reputation? Have you ever heard something horrible about someone close to you, but you chose to give them the benefit of the doubt? Have you chosen to walk in a relationship with someone who has disappointed you again and again?

Love costs us everything. Here is a brief explanation of the action words in this verse.

1. “Bears all things”

This word comes from the word that means a roof or covering of a building that is built to protect or conceal. The whole point of this action word is covering someone from something that could cause injury. One commentator says, “love supports what is placed upon it or covers what is placed underneath it.” This kind of love does not run to call a friend to expose the person; it kneels in prayer to cover the person.

1. “Believes all things”

The first thing that many of us think about is that believing all would make us look like a fool. We think that believing all translates into being gullible, with lack of discernment. “Believes all things” does not mean that. It means that you look for the best in others—giving them the benefit of the doubt. Now, this does not just mean your closest friend, but it includes all people.

1. “Hopes all things”

This means that you are looking forward to the good, with confidence. Despite what is going on, you expect the best. You look at the bright side of things.

1. “Endures all things”

One writer says that this word has a military connotation in its secular sense. It means holding your place, despite difficulty and suffering. This alludes to the strength of love that is able to endure, despite what comes its way.

PRAYER: Lord, I cannot love in my flesh. I need your power to work in me to give this kind of love. Let me not be tainted by persons who have harmed me. Let my love be marked by your love for me and others. Purify me Lord, so that I love the way you intended. In the name of Jesus, I praise you. Amen.