Love Bears All Things
To study the word “bear” that is used in 1Corinthians 13:7 gives a much more significant and deeper meaning than I would give it at first glance. It is the Greek word “stego”; it means to cover closely, to protect by covering, to conceal and then, by covering, to bear up under. Note that at the core of its meaning stego denotes an activity or state which blocks entry from without or exit from within. It is the same word used for a thatched roof or covering.
John MacArthur gives an excellent description, “the verb stego…basically means to cover or to support and therefore to protect. Love bears all things by protecting others from exposure, ridicule, or harm. Genuine love does not gossip or listen to gossip. Even when a sin is certain, love tries to correct it with the least possible hurt and harm to the guilty person. Love never protects sin but is anxious to protect the sinner. Fallen human nature has the opposite inclination. There is perverse pleasure in exposing someone’s faults and failures. As already mentioned, that is what makes gossip appealing. The Corinthians cared little for the feelings or welfare of fellow believers. It was every person for himself. Like the Pharisees, they paid little attention to others, except when those others were failing or sinning. Man’s depravity causes him to rejoice in the depravity of others. It is that depraved pleasure that sells magazines and newspapers that cater to exposes, “true confessions,” and the like. It is the same sort of pleasure that makes children tattle on brothers and sisters. Whether to feel self–righteous by exposing another’s sin or to enjoy that sin vicariously, we all are tempted to take a certain kind of pleasure in the sins of others. Love has no part in that. It does not expose or exploit, gloat or condemn. It bears; it does not bare.” (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary)
What an amazing illustration to consider in the love God has for us, that Jesus Himself is this covering. As Satan stands accusing us day and night before God (Revelation 12:10), Jesus bears the weight of our sin and His righteousness becomes our defense. Our sin was dealt with at the cross. The Lord’s desire is not to expose us to shame or to ridicule, but to draw us into a relationship with Him where we are continually refined and called to repentance out of our love for Jesus and all He has done for us.
John MacArthur gives an excellent description, “the verb stego…basically means to cover or to support and therefore to protect. Love bears all things by protecting others from exposure, ridicule, or harm. Genuine love does not gossip or listen to gossip. Even when a sin is certain, love tries to correct it with the least possible hurt and harm to the guilty person. Love never protects sin but is anxious to protect the sinner. Fallen human nature has the opposite inclination. There is perverse pleasure in exposing someone’s faults and failures. As already mentioned, that is what makes gossip appealing. The Corinthians cared little for the feelings or welfare of fellow believers. It was every person for himself. Like the Pharisees, they paid little attention to others, except when those others were failing or sinning. Man’s depravity causes him to rejoice in the depravity of others. It is that depraved pleasure that sells magazines and newspapers that cater to exposes, “true confessions,” and the like. It is the same sort of pleasure that makes children tattle on brothers and sisters. Whether to feel self–righteous by exposing another’s sin or to enjoy that sin vicariously, we all are tempted to take a certain kind of pleasure in the sins of others. Love has no part in that. It does not expose or exploit, gloat or condemn. It bears; it does not bare.” (1 Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary)
What an amazing illustration to consider in the love God has for us, that Jesus Himself is this covering. As Satan stands accusing us day and night before God (Revelation 12:10), Jesus bears the weight of our sin and His righteousness becomes our defense. Our sin was dealt with at the cross. The Lord’s desire is not to expose us to shame or to ridicule, but to draw us into a relationship with Him where we are continually refined and called to repentance out of our love for Jesus and all He has done for us.
No Comments