Love’s Protective Covering

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 
1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV)

When Paul describes love in 1 Corinthians 13:7, he hammers home one phrase four times. It’s “all things.” This is not an accident. He’s saying love covers every situation, every circumstance, and every challenge. Love isn’t selective. It’s an attitude that sticks through thick and thin.

The word "bears" means "to protect like a roof that covers a house." You show real love in a marriage when you have the attitude that no matter what storms come, you’ll weather that storm. You will put up with the flaws, foibles, and failures of the other person. Real love overlooks the faults of your spouse. 

When you trust God to help you work out any problem you face in your marriage, you won't assume the worst or feel the glass is half empty or half full. You'll see it as totally full. 

You’ll choose to believe the good in your spouse instead of dwelling on the bad. You know your spouse isn't perfect, and you'll feel it when at times when he or she fails. But you can ask the Lord to give you His love, which bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things.

When frustration builds this week, pause before reacting. Instead of rehearsing what's wrong, ask God to help you see your spouse through His eyes. Ask Him to show you their heart, and give you grace to overlook their mistakes. 

Then choose one thing you appreciate about them and tell them before the day ends. Let love cover your relationship and your home.

Prayer: Father, thank You for covering me with Your love even when I fail. Help me extend that same protective attitude to my spouse. When I want to focus on faults, redirect my heart to believe the best, hope for growth, and never give up. Teach me to love with the endurance You've shown in loving me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.