1 Corinthians 13:7, Charity Believeth All Things (2)

1 Corinthians 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things …

Truly, we cannot read hearts and we must admit that we cannot have full knowledge to assess others’ intentions. Therefore, to jump to conclusion and become suspicious of other’s motive would surely mean that we can be wrong. Biblical love overcomes the tendency to look at others in a bad light and gives the right hand of trust. This is God’s grace emanating in the believer’s life. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Such charity inspires and encourages reciprocity. It does not engender the abuse of this privilege. Rather it enhances relationships.

Whether it is between husband and wife, parents and children, employer and employee, teacher and student, a friend with friend, trust begets trust. How often relationships are marred when we begin to become suspicious and recall old scores and begin nit-picking. Relationships are ruined as a result. In Christian communities, such charity needs abound to witness to the saving grace of Christ in our hearts.  It removes the friction that can retard the work of committees with a gospel mandate when this biblical grace is exercised.

 Charity believes all things. “All things” means all things. It is an all-encompassing trust that helps us to weather the vicissitudes of life. What if that trust is broken, the privilege of trust abused and taken advantage? Where we have failed the Lord, may the Lord help us repent and to cultivate this grace! Job had to first forgive his three friends in his heart although they have tormented him before God would restore him. Job did forgive his friends. He prayed for them and the culmination of Job’s trial was his restoration in Job 42:10 “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” May the Lord open our spiritual eyes to the importance of this spiritual grace and help us to have victory in our relationships one with another. Amen.