Listen:
“[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (I Corinthians 13:7).
Reflect:
Society says to bear little. Do what you can to escape painful situations. Cut off difficult people. But God says to bear all things. All? All kinds of agonizingly difficult situations.
I’m honored to know Christian women who “bear all things” in various challenges such as single parenting, estrangement from loved ones, and difficult marriages. They are on their knees for the prodigals in their lives struggling with alcoholism, substance abuse, or serious mental health challenges. They continue to shoulder caregiving for a disabled or elderly loved one despite few breaks and little recognition or honor. I respect and admire what they willingly endure out of faithfulness and love for the Lord.
I used to balk at the statement “Love believes all things” because I didn’t want to be gullible, nor did I think I could muster belief in someone who deeply disappointed me. But then I realized that we can believe all things when resting our faith and hope in God alone. Thus, we’re able to float free of needing to believe in flawed people. And anchored faith inspires love to hope.
Most of all, I’m awed that the Lord himself bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. What an inspiring and humbling truth.
Prayer of Response:
Lord, when faith turns cynical, give us your vision and the ability to hope again. For without your help, how can we possibly love like you? In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Questions to Ponder:
- Who personally inspires you to bear your burdens with hope and endurance?
- What barriers come to mind when you think of living more intentionally according to I Corinthians 13:7?
Breath Prayers:
Join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale (Breathe in): Hope in Christ,
Exhale (Breathe out): Helps me bear all.
(Repeat)
—Submitted by: Ruth Wood
Ruth is a US/Swiss citizen and lives with her husband in Oregon. They have two grown sons, two awesome daughters-in-law, and two rambunctious kitties. She works as a Licensed Professional Counselor and loves writing on Substack at EspressoForTheHeart.org.
Featured photo by Rocky Scotty on Unsplash)