Love Bears and Believes

1 Corinthians 13:7 “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Think

In the movie Frozen, Olaf said, “True Love is putting someone else before yourself.”

Love that bears all things is a love that provides support and protection. It shields loved ones from harm and doesn't expose their weaknesses or faults through gossip or criticism. The word “bears” originates from the Greek word stego, meaning "a roof or a covering," depicting love as a protective shield that conceals and shelters the beloved from harm.

Love acts like a roof, supporting and safeguarding what is placed underneath it. It's a beautiful virtue that chooses to throw a cloak of silence over the shortcomings of others, covering them with the protective cloak of love. This concept underscores love's role in covering over and protecting those we care about.

Furthermore, love believes the best in people and gives them the benefit of the doubt. It chooses to believe in God's divine plans, even when circumstances seem uncertain. To "believe all things" means to trust in the possibility of the best outcomes, extending grace and understanding to others at their highest and best rather than dwelling on their flaws or shortcomings. Love, therefore, chooses to see the potential for goodness in every situation and every person, fostering an atmosphere of trust and positivity.

Apply

Be intentional about guarding your words and actions to avoid gossip or criticism that could harm others. Ask God for wisdom in “bearing all things” and showing grace as you go about your day.

Pray

Lord, I acknowledge that I fall short of embodying the love that bears all things. I ask for your forgiveness for the times when I have failed to protect and support others and when I have spoken words that hurt rather than heal. Give me the wisdom and discernment to know when to confront sin with love and when to extend mercy and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.