Love “protects.” Some older translations say it “bears all things.” The reason for the two options is that the Greek word stego in the original text can be translated either way.
The word was used to describe a ship sailing in the midst of a storm. Pounded by wind and waves, it might look like the ship would go under. But it was able to withstand the onslaught of the storm.
The word was used for a house that had a good roof. When heavy rains came, the roof did not leak, but bore the rain.
The word was also used for a group of soldiers trapped in a city under siege. The enemy might do all they could to get them to surrender, but the soldiers would not give in. They “bore up” under the attack.
That’s true of love too. When you read 1 and 2 Corinthians, you can see this was a church dear to Paul’s heart. In many ways this church caused him heartache and pain. And yet Paul bore with them. The storms came, the rains fell, the enemy attacked, but, in God’s strength, Paul did not give in.
It’s incredible what people go through, what they will bear up under when they love someone. Love bears all things. Love protects. Love surrounds like a force field that nothing can penetrate.
Love can do this because it has God’s strength. And God never quits or gives up.
Jesus, thank you for never giving up, for never quitting on us—or on the people we love. Thank you for bearing the cross for our sake. Amen.
About the author — Kevin Adams
Dr. Kevin Adams has served as a church planter/pastor in the Sacramento, California, area since 1991. He and his wife, Gerry, began Granite Springs Church in Lincoln, and this congregation has helped to nourish several other church plants. Kevin also serves as a director of the Sierra Leadership Network, a training program for new church leaders.
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