Love bears it all

 

Love bears all things… 1 Corinthians 13:7A ESV

            Ah yes, but how does it bear all things? For it is possible to bear without any real bearing, and this is what we are wont to do if left alone for it much easier. We will bear so long as may bear begrudgingly, or vindictively, or sanctimoniously. If we may complain much, accuse much, and esteem ourselves much at the same time well and good.

            But, that sort of bearing is no bearing at all, and is certainty not loving: indeed it leads to more restlessness and anxiety than love. True bears patiently, not faintingly. True love bears the burdens kindly, not spitefully. True love bears without boasting, humbly shouldering the load as though it were no great thing. Verse five completely undoes our unbearable attitude of bearing for it says plainly in love we relinquish our own way. God’s way is better, and if you require that someone show you this sort of love, bearing with all your burdens before you attempt it… Dear friends Christ has done it!

            Christ took the greatest step down in all of history for the love of those who believe, and He endured all the hardships of life and every sort of temptation for those who believe, and he was mocked and scorned by His own people for those who believe, and He was beaten and abused for those who believed, and he was killed on a cross for those who believe, and He bore the full wraith of the Godhead for those who believe, for those few He bore it all. Now, if He calls to love as He loved us how can we refuse?

            Christ bore the burden for us without protest, so why do we protest what he calls us to? Christ bore it all offering us grace, so how could we refuse grace to others? And in bearing it all, Christ carried even the weight we too oft groan under. Beloved, He has given the example, and the provision to follow it.

Prayer

            O Lord, you have borne all of our guilt, and bear with all our weaknesses and faults, You have loved us truly. We would know this love, and show it forth to Your glory and our good. Please teach us how to love as w are loved. Thank You for bearing our burdens. We ask your forgiveness, even as we forgive others. We ask it all to Your glory alone, in accordance with Your will. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Songs

O love that will not let me go

Love divine, all loves exceeding

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