Love Bears All
The church in Corinth was located in a major metropolitan area, known for its bustling trade center. Because of its position, news and ideas spread quickly throughout the region and even to other countries. However, Corinth was also a place rife with idolatry and immorality. Paul was addressing a church he had founded during his second missionary journey, which was primarily made up of Gentiles.
If word spread to other communities that this church lacked unity and love, we must ask ourselves: What would that do for the cause of Christ?
If word spread to other communities that this church lacked unity and love, we must ask ourselves: What would that do for the cause of Christ?
1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
To bring about unity, there must be love, for without love, there is only chaos—something that Satan seeks to foster. Paul, however, emphasizes one thing above all: Love
1 Corinthians 13:4-8(a)
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.
Think of a "load-bearing wall" in a house. This wall supports the structure, holding it up and preventing it from collapsing. Similarly, the Greek word stegō (pronounced "stay-go") conveys the idea of protection.
God is not asking, nor is Paul writing, that your love will bear all things like Christ did. Jesus Christ alone bore the weight of sin on the cross, covering it with His shed blood. On the third day, He rose again—He bore it all. This act was once and for all; it cannot be repeated.
What Paul is saying here is that love bears all, not because we need to carry the weight of sin again, but because it has already been covered by Jesus' sacrifice. You are forgiven, so there’s no need to bear that burden again. However, love does call us to emulate Christ—this is where we are called to be like Him.
What Paul is saying here is that love bears all, not because we need to carry the weight of sin again, but because it has already been covered by Jesus' sacrifice. You are forgiven, so there’s no need to bear that burden again. However, love does call us to emulate Christ—this is where we are called to be like Him.
How Can Our Love Bear All Things?
Love bears all things. It doesn't say, "This isn't fair," or "I can't go any further." True love isn’t limited by what seems reasonable or by what others might tolerate.
However, this doesn’t mean we should allow ourselves to be repeatedly hurt—whether physically or emotionally—by others, even within the church or our families. Love is resilient, but it also seeks to protect and honor the well-being of all involved.
However, this doesn’t mean we should allow ourselves to be repeatedly hurt—whether physically or emotionally—by others, even within the church or our families. Love is resilient, but it also seeks to protect and honor the well-being of all involved.
Sometimes, love endures pain from a safe and healthy distance, but true godly love doesn’t give up when others become difficult or challenging to deal with.
Let’s reflect on the word "transfer"—to cause something to pass from one to another. God transfers His love through us. While it’s never our love on its own, it is His love working in and through us. Only when we are rooted in Him can we truly bear all things with love.
Let’s reflect on the word "transfer"—to cause something to pass from one to another. God transfers His love through us. While it’s never our love on its own, it is His love working in and through us. Only when we are rooted in Him can we truly bear all things with love.
Think of a transformer, like the ones on power poles. Power lines can carry up to 7,000 watts, and even larger ones can carry 33,000 watts. However, for us to use this electricity safely, it has to pass through a transformer that reduces the voltage to a level our buildings can handle.
In the same way, God’s love is like that powerful source. The love we can bear is nothing compared to the magnitude of His love. Just as the transformer adjusts the power to make it usable, God's love flows through us in a way we can handle, even though its true power is far beyond our capacity.
In the same way, God’s love is like that powerful source. The love we can bear is nothing compared to the magnitude of His love. Just as the transformer adjusts the power to make it usable, God's love flows through us in a way we can handle, even though its true power is far beyond our capacity.
Big Idea: Love Bears All Things When I Transfer All Through Christ.
1) Love Bears All When I Transfer All to Prayer
Why?
Unprayed prayers remain unanswered. When Jesus was on His way to the cross, He prayed, "Let this cup pass from me. Not my will, but Yours be done." He took His struggle directly to God, surrendering it to Him.
In the same way, I am not called to bear all things on my own. But with love, I can bring all things to God—the one who can truly bear all things. I can face challenges, not in my own strength, but by entrusting them to the one who holds all things in His hands.
Galatians 6:2
Bear one another’s burdens...
Ephesians 3:19-20
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
Unprayed prayers remain unanswered. When Jesus was on His way to the cross, He prayed, "Let this cup pass from me. Not my will, but Yours be done." He took His struggle directly to God, surrendering it to Him.
In the same way, I am not called to bear all things on my own. But with love, I can bring all things to God—the one who can truly bear all things. I can face challenges, not in my own strength, but by entrusting them to the one who holds all things in His hands.
Galatians 6:2
Bear one another’s burdens...
Ephesians 3:19-20
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
2) Love Bears All When I Transfer All to Surrender
Surrender is a term rooted in battle. It implies giving up all rights to the conqueror. When an opposing army surrenders, they lay down their weapons, and the victors take control from that moment on.
In the same way, when we surrender to God, we transfer everything to the true Source, Jesus Christ. We cast all our cares upon Him, relinquishing control and trusting fully in His sovereignty.
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Cares refers to: worries, difficulties and needs of this world, and anxieties.
NLT says to “give all your worries and cares to God,” and the
NIV “cast all your anxiety on him.”
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Cares refers to: worries, difficulties and needs of this world, and anxieties.
NLT says to “give all your worries and cares to God,” and the
NIV “cast all your anxiety on him.”
Complete Surrender!
- Noah Builds the Ark: Noah had never seen a flood, nor had he witnessed animals gathering in such a way. And an ark? Really? Yet, he obeyed God’s call with unwavering faith.
- Abraham Moves: God called him to leave everything and go to a land he had never seen, with nothing but a promise. Really? Yet, Abraham trusted and obeyed.
- Moses Leads: Moses was tasked with leading over three million people out of Egypt. Really? How could one man guide so many? But Moses stepped up to the challenge, trusting God to lead them.
- Esther Stands in the Gap: She was called to stand before the king, risking her life for the salvation of her people. For such a time as this? Yes, and she courageously surrendered to God’s purpose.
- Jesus Cries "It Is Finished": Jesus surrendered Himself to death on the cross, not just to die, but to conquer death and sin forever. It is finished—a surrender that led to victory.
Everything that worries or burdens us is meant to be surrendered to the God who cares, whose love bears all things. These verses don’t promise that God will remove the source of our anxiety. Rather, they assure us that He cares deeply for us, which is why we can confidently cast our cares upon Him. God is fully trustworthy to handle our burdens and bear them in the most perfect way.
3) Love Bears All When I Transfer All to Stay the Course
Be Found Faithful!
Reliable. Steadfast. Unwavering.
Ask yourself this: Am I reliable? When I start a task, do I see it through to completion, or do I make excuses? Do I run the race set before me with determination? Am I a finisher?
How steady and committed am I to the things that matter to God? Does my faithfulness reflect His priorities?
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Reliable. Steadfast. Unwavering.
Ask yourself this: Am I reliable? When I start a task, do I see it through to completion, or do I make excuses? Do I run the race set before me with determination? Am I a finisher?
How steady and committed am I to the things that matter to God? Does my faithfulness reflect His priorities?
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The enduring sacrifice of Christ on the cross should drive all Christians to stay the course and finish well. His example of perseverance in the face of suffering calls us to remain steadfast in our faith, no matter the trials we face, and to press on toward the finish line with His strength empowering us.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!
Begin transferring everything to Christ, and as you do, love that bears all will become the theme of your life. When you surrender your burdens, your challenges, and your hopes to Him, His love will empower you to endure, forgive, and live with grace. Let His love be the foundation that guides you through every circumstance.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!
Begin transferring everything to Christ, and as you do, love that bears all will become the theme of your life. When you surrender your burdens, your challenges, and your hopes to Him, His love will empower you to endure, forgive, and live with grace. Let His love be the foundation that guides you through every circumstance.
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