Love Bears All Things

What is love? 

The definition of love is found only once in the Bible: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.  It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). 

Let’s continue to give ourselves a biblical “love” test by looking closely at the words and phrases used to describe love.

The twelfth biblical descriptor of love is “bears all things.”

With an outstretched hand and a strong shoulder, this love walks alongside the beloved, offering to share the burden of the one who is hurting.  It’s a loyal love that refuses to give up even if the other wants to.  This unbreakable, loyal love remains steadfast - no matter the circumstances.

Agape love desires to help the weaker brother or sister.  It shares the other’s burdens thus perpetuating Christ’s love as fulfillment of the law (Galatians 6:2).  By loving our neighbors with the kindness of Jesus, we are able to show God how much we love Him.

Love that bears all things says, “You are not heavy.  You are my brother, my sister in Christ."  This love looks at another’s hardship as an opportunity to outpour love.  To use crisis as a springboard toward hope, healing, and happiness.

How are you doing with the twelfth part of God’s love test?  

Before you answer, consider this: Do you bear others’ burdens?  In prayer?  Conversations?  With your time?  Finances?  Do you enjoy helping those in need?

I think now you are ready to answer.

“Love bears all things…”