1 Corinthians 13:7, Charity Bearth All Things (1)

1 Corinthians 13:7 Beareth all things …

The word “to bear” literally means “to cover” with reference to a roof that provides good cover, that does not leak. It keeps water out. It has the idea to protect or keep by covering. It also has the idea to cover with silence, to keep secret, to hide and conceal. It hides and excuses the errors and fault of others. It is translated to endure, to forbear, to put up with. In the context of the redeemed man’s disposition, charity is the grace that enables one to endure, to forbear, to suffer. It is a humbling disposition. It bears the pressures of life and does not crumble under it. There is also that element of patience that endures what suffering it has to bear in life’s pathways.

 “All things” seem an impossible feat but it is not. It is the Spirit-filled Christian testimony of one who is constantly abounding in the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. A consistency to that ability to forbear is the sense of this phrase. You may ask, “How is it at all possible?” My answer, “With God, all things are possible.”

This is the life of faith that we are called to live. To live above the world, to let our lights be burning and not burn out is God’s grace in the life of the believer. Amen.