What does it mean to "believe all things" in a biblical context? Opening the Text “Love… believes all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Paul lists this trait among four rapid-fire statements that describe how biblical love operates. Getting the Context • Chapter 13 sits between chapters on spiritual gifts and church order. • Paul elevates love as “the most excellent way” (12:31). • Each verb is in the present tense, picturing ongoing action. The Meaning of “Believe All Things” • The Greek verb pisteuō means to trust, rely on, place confidence in. • “All things” (panta) refers to every situation love faces. • The phrase points to love’s reflex to trust rather than to suspect, to credit the truth rather than hunt for falsehood. • Love is not blind credulity; it is a steadfast, God-centered confidence that leans toward trust wherever righteousness allows. Faith Toward God First • Love begins by believing everything God has revealed. – “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). – “Every word of God is flawless” (Proverbs 30:5). • Confidence in His flawless Word shapes how believers respond to people and circumstances. Charitable Trust Toward People • Love chooses to think the best of others until facts prove otherwise. • It resists the impulse to ascribe evil motives. – “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). • It embraces Paul’s call: “Accept one another” (Romans 15:7). How This Looks in Everyday Life • Listening with an open heart instead of assuming deceit. • Rejoicing when a prodigal returns rather than doubting the sincerity of repentance. • Giving coworkers the benefit of the doubt rather than cultivating suspicion. • Trusting a spouse’s word rather than revisiting past failures. Guardrails Against Naïve Credulity • Scripture commands discernment. – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits” (1 John 4:1). – “The simple believes every word, but the prudent one considers his steps” (Proverbs 14:15). • Jesus “did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all men” (John 2:24). • Love balances trust with truth; it believes all things that can righteously be believed and tests what must be tested. Living It Out • Anchor trust in God’s inerrant Word. • Practice charitable judgment toward others. • Refuse cynicism; cultivate hopeful confidence. • Exercise discernment, never compromising holiness. • Let love’s healthy optimism shine in speech, decisions, and relationships, mirroring the Savior who loved to the uttermost. |
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