Love Bears All Things
SCRIPTURE
"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” - 1 Corinthians 13:7
OBSERVATION
Love is an “all-in” proposition. There is nothing moderate, lukewarm or temporary about it. It is a radical, extreme, throw-your-heart-over-the-line, die hard commitment. Paul uses the adverb “all” to describe how comprehensive the reach and extent of love is. First of all, it bears all things. It means to keep confidential, cover, pass over in silence. It is a term that would describe covering or enclosing in such a way that would keep something undesirable from coming in i.e. water into a ship. Love then puts a lid on any untrue thoughts or negative assumptions on a loved one. It silences passing judgements on people’s motives.
APPLICATION
Just as the captain of a ship must be vigilant to enclose and keep water out so that the ship does not sink, I must be equally watchful to enclose negative thoughts from sinking my heart. Put a lid on all thoughts that are false, dishonorable, unjust, impure, not lovely, not commendable and not excellent (Phil. 4:8). Discipline my thought life and silence negative things about those I love. Stop entertaining things that are not excellent but instead think about and meditate in praiseworthy things. Bear all things and discreetly cover the shortcomings of my loved ones. Whether it’s family, church staff or congregant—pass over all dishonorable thoughts in silence and cover with grace and unconditional love.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being love! Lord help me to go for broke and go all-in for unconditional love. Thank you for bearing, believing, hoping, and enduring all things for me on the cross! May I live out in love what I have bountifully partaken and received in Christ. Holy Spirit please strengthen me to love you first, then Renee and the kids, and then your people. I love you so much! Maranatha!