The past two articles have addressed the characteristics of Christian love as found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-6. In this article we will finish examining this text. In our text you can clearly see the highly honorable character of this love. It consists of attitudes that all know are good to posses. But, enacting them in one's life is another story.
The next verse (vs.7) says that this love, "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." We have here four more words associated with Christian love to consider. The word "bear" means, "to cover over with silence; to keep secret; to hide, conceal." (Thayer). In this text the idea is that the Christian is willing to keep secret things he learns about others that do not need to be exposed. The Proverbs writer states, "He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends." (Proverbs 17:9). There is nothing more ungodly than the sin of gossip. Yet it seems to be something that is accepted in our society, and I'm afraid that at times even among brethren. But the true Christian will not repeat that which does not need to be repeated, EVER! 1 Corinthians 9:12 uses the same word when it says, "If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ." In this we learn that the Christian will also keeps silent and "bear" the thing when the gospel will be furthered, even if it means harm to himself.
The next word found in verse 7 is "believe". It means, "to think to be true; to be persuaded of; to credit, place confidence in" In our text it "is used in an ethical sense, of confidence in the goodness of men" (Thayer). In other words, Christian love wants to believe the best in a given situation. This is not saying that he is gullible and accepts anything that is said by anyone. Such an individual will be unstable and "tossed to and from and carried about by every wind of doctrine." (Ephesians 4:14) But rather, this attitude drives one to do that which might not seem normal. For example, one might reach out to try to teach someone the gospel that most think to be unworthy or unpleasant. He acts believing that such a one will respond in obedience.
The word "hope" means "the expectation of good" (Unger's Bible Dictionary). It is a word usually associated with heaven, but here it is the attitude that not only places confidence in something, but also deep down anticipates that it will happen for good. The word is often translated trust in the New Testament. Consider, 1 Timothy 4:10, "For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. " and 2 Corinthians 1:10, "who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us". Christian love looks for the best and acts as if the best will be the outcome in any situation. And in truth, regardless of what happens, good WILL prevail in the end. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28.
The fourth word is "endures". It means, "to remain, …to bear bravely and calmly" (Thayer). The Christian's love does not give up. No matter what comes your way, you hang in there. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." Paul told Timothy, "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2 Timothy 2:3. Because of his belief and hope, the Christian endures all things. After all he knows that when this life is over, he will receive a just reward for his troubles. In this we see the sacrifice of oneself for others. This truly is Christian love, "Caring enough to sacrifice."
Yes Christian love does all these things. The final thing we note about this love is that it never fails. Properly, this word means, "not ever". (Thayer) Perhaps this is the most impressive statement of this grace. Consider its impact for a moment. This means that this love does not quit. It is always there, even when all else fails. It is THE characteristic one can count on regardless of the situation. We realize that it is not always easy to love someone, especially when they have wronged you or treated you unkind. But the Christian loves anyway and always. Yes, it is not easy, but it is possible.
Thus we see the Bible's description of Christian love. Everyone will admit that such attributes are good and for the benefit of mankind, but applying them in one's life is another story. That is why it is so important that Christians learn about AGAPE love and live. There are enough ungodly attitudes in this world without those who profess to be Christians doing the same. The life of a Christians is different. That is seen in our love. In our next article we will begin noting love in the various relationships in the Christian's life.
(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 2000 by Biblesoft)