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Love Believes All Things
by Micky Galloway
I Corinthians 13:4-8, “Love suffereth long, (and) is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth …”
In this series of studies, we need to be reminded that the context is showing the Corinthians a “more excellent way” to live. They were badly divided about many things. Paul said, “Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing and (that) there be no divisions among you; but (that) ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (I Corinthians 1:10). Consequently, Paul rebukes them, “for ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you jealousy and strife, are ye not carnal, and do ye not walk after the manner of men?” (I Corinthians 3:3). In chapters 12 - 14, this division was manifested in their attitudes toward each other relative to the spiritual gifts. Paul is showing them the “more excellent way” is to love each other. It is a love that seeks the welfare or best interest of others. It is a love that must be learned. It is a love that has identifiable qualities that must be acquired and put into practice. It is in this context that Paul says, “Love believeth all things.”
This does not mean that the man here described who is practicing love must foolishly make no discrimination in regard to the things that he believes or that he must never make any inquiry as to what is true or false; right or wrong. “The simple believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going” (Proverbs 14:15). Calvin comments, “not that the Christian knowingly and willingly allows himself to be imposed upon – not that he divests himself of prudence and judgment, that he may be the more easily taken advantage of – not that he unlearns the way of distinguishing black from white” (Calvin’s Commentaries, PC Study Bible). In other words, “believeth all things” does not include gullibility.
What does it mean? Regarding the conduct of others, there is a disposition to put the best construction on it. The word used here pisteúei, means “to believe something to be true and, hence, worthy of being trusted - ‘to believe, to think to be true, to regard as trustworthy’” (Greek-English Lexicon Based on Semantic Domain). Thayer says, “to think to be true; to be persuaded of; to credit, place confidence in.” Love believes that motives are genuine and sincere, without any intention of injury. Love believes that what is done is done consistently with friendship and virtue. Love will continue to believe this, unless there is abundant evidence to the contrary, because it rejoices in the virtue of others. Certainly, this is a “more excellent way” than being filled with suspicions, doubts, contentions, and jealousy.
On the other hand, the false teacher is described as being “puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings” (I Timothy 6:4). “Evil surmisings” comes from hupónoiai, meaning “to think in secret, to suspect, to hold a (or in) suspicion” (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament). The reference of I Timothy 6:4 is to the wicked suspicions or insinuations with which the false teacher tries to discredit those who oppose him.
Love is willing to think the best and kindest of all men and all circumstances, as long as it is possible to do so. Love is entirely the opposite of the cynic, the pessimist, those who undermine the character and motive of others.
“I Don’t Love Her Anymore”
by Greg Gwin
A forty year old man suffering through the classic “mid-life crisis,” sat down to talk to the preacher about his problems. He explained how his marriage of 20 years was no longer satisfying or fulfilling. Finally, he reached the “bottom line.” “I just don’t love her anymore,” he said. “What can I do?”
After a brief moment of reflection, the preacher said decisively, “As I see it, you have only one option.” The man perked up with anticipation. Was the preacher going to suggest a divorce? Would he be free to pursue the thrilling lifestyle of the younger generation that he had come to admire? Would this be his chance to regain his fleeting youth? What was the preacher’s advice? – “Seems to me that the only thing left for you to do is REPENT and start loving her again.”
So often we hear of married couples who complain that they have “fallen out of love.” That’s sad, but it happens. The real issue is, what do you do when you realize that such a situation exists? The Bible still says, “Husbands love your wives” (Ephesians 5:24), and wives are to “love their husbands” (Titus 2:4).
Please note that these are not just suggestions, they are commands. To fail to love your mate is to commit sin! And sin always requires repentance if there is to be forgiveness. Be careful. Do not confuse commanded love with the gooey, silly infatuation of a teenager. It is far more than that. It is a sacrificial love that seeks the interest of the one loved more than self. It is the kind of love that Jesus has shown us (Ephesians 5:25).
(from Pause – Ponder – Profit)