LOVE BELIEVES THE BEST

“Love…is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].” ~ I Corinthians 13:7 (AMPC)

REFERENCE

I Corinthians 13:4-8 (AMPC)

In this powerful chapter, the apostle Paul seconds every other Christian virtue to love; he places love above prophetic and miraculous powers; and lifts it above showy charity or daring acts of martyrdom. Love should be the ultimate motivation for everything a Christian does; else, no matter how applaudable whatever he does is, Paul says, “He is still a useless nobody.”

Christianity is about relationships, relationships with God and with man. For this reason, love is the foundation of our faith; “He who does not love does not know God.” One way we exhibit the love of God is by believing the best about others. That is like God; He loves us despite us. Even when He knows we have behavioral struggles or will yet err, He still loves us, calling us the apple of His eyes. He knows that the heart is evil and desperately wicked, yet He loves man.

Sadly, this kind of love is lacking amongst many believers. It is why there is gossip, suspicion, and judgment-passing among us. We feel better than others, making ourselves the standard of Christianity. We forget to give people a chance to grow and become better by loving and trusting them. A critical and judgmental spirit reveals that you have inner struggles you need to deal with. If you find it hard to trust others, allow them to come close to you, or easily believe any (unverified) story about them, how does the love of God abide in you? It is unwise and foolish to be a judge over others. Paul said, “Who made you a judge…?”

A Pastor traveled for a conference in a foreign country. The participants were to share a hotel room with another person. After the Pastor entered his room and saw the roommate, he was uneasy. He then went downstairs to the reception and inquired if he could leave his gold watch and other valuables in their safe. He said he usually would not do that, but he had been to his room and met the man who would occupy the other bed. Judging from his appearance, he was afraid he might not be trustworthy. The receptionist accepted the responsibility for the valuables and said, “It is all right, Pastor; I will be happy to take care of them for you. The other man has been up here and left his for the same reason.”

Look at your spouse, friends, staff, church members, etc., through the eyes of love. Believe the best about them and fight off every thought that suggests they are untrustworthy. We weaken our ranks when the spirit of suspicion enters our clan. Do not pass judgment on others or receive an evil report about them. Let love lead; if you have concerns about them, lift them to God in prayers. Seek ways to help them to be better. True love believes the best about others.

ADDITIONAL TEXT:

John 8:1-11, I John 4:12-13, and Luke 6:37 (AMPC)

8Like
0Dislike
100% LikesVS
0% Dislikes

PRAYERS:

+ Lord, wherever I have been hurt by people, making it hard to believe the best about them, heal my heart.

+ Father, I receive the grace to love like You and to believe the best about people. I put away all forms of suspicion and prejudice; in Jesus’ name.

+ I pray for those in my network whom I have a challenge with. Help them in their weakness, and show me how to extend Your love to them.