1 Corinthians 13:7, Charity Endureth All Things (2)
1 Corinthians 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
The Apostle Paul, writer of this book of 1 Corinthians, was a living example of this biblical trait of charity. He wrote in 2 Corinthians the living testimony of God’s love in him enabling him to endure great afflictions for the gospel. He testified in 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” Again he testified before his martyrdom in 2 Timothy.
He testified how God’s grace helped him to persevere and continue to show love to others despite the great afflictions he had to endure. 2 Timothy 3:10-12 “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
In this earthly sojourn there will be sufferings and afflictions to endure. The Apostle Paul tells us that there is victory in Christ. What tremendous encouragement for all suffering saints through the ages. We have the power to continue to love in spite of and despite setbacks and afflictions. This love is supernatural. It is given by the Holy Spirit that indwells every believer. It is like an injection that goes into the bloodstream to effect the power to overcome and suffer despite all miseries. Indeed, charity endures all things. All things means all, an all-encompassing word. This is the power of God living through His children. He wants you to live that overcoming life through prayer and trusting in His Word. Charity endures all things is a reality in the life of every child of God. This is the victory that the Apostle Paul wants us to experience. Dear listeners, may charity abound in your life. Amen.