What are the “all things” that love is directed at in 1 Corinthians 13:7?
Love bears all, 1 Corinthians 13:7
“All” is restricted by the verb “to bear”, which comes from a word that means, “to put a roof on”, “to keep silent” or “to cover”. It is used four times in Scripture and is typically translated in the context as “remaining silent”. Love does not speak out even when it had the right to demand that which legitimately belongs to it, 1 Corinthians 9:12 (Many translation us the word “suffer”; however, this is not the Greek word for “suffer”, but rather the one for “remaining silent”)
Love believes all, 1 Corinthians 13:7
Belief comes from faith. Scripture defines faith as that which gives hope substance and is the evidence of accomplished deeds not seen, Hebrews 11:1 (Note: Although many of the translations use the word “things”, the original language does not. Faith is the substance of that which is hoped for, the evidence of accomplished deeds not seen.). Since a promise is always the basis for hope, faith is taking God at His Word, Romans 8:24, 25.
Because a promise is the basis for faith, the “all” has to be restricted to that which has been promised. Since love is directed at other believers, John 13:34, 1 John 3:23, 24, it will take a person at his or her word.
The abuse of love is not justified here, for if saints are continually doing wrong they are to be admonished and if they refuse to change their minds (repent) other saints are to separate from them. Romans 16:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:14. This is also an expression of love, by seeking the best for the one loved, which can require separation for a time so the saint realizes the seriousness of the situation.
Love endures all, 1 Corinthians 13:7
“Endure” literally means to “remain under”. It is not often used of enduring suffering and hardship. In Romans 12:12, saints are instructed to remain under prayer. In Acts 17:14, Silas and Timothy remain in Berea while Paul travels to Athens. However, suffering may be caused by remaining in a place, Hebrews 10:32. Christ, for our sakes, remained under the threat of death from the cross and hostility from sinners considering the joy that was set before Him, Hebrews 12:2, 3. For the sake of the chosen, love will remain under suffering, hardship, imprisonment, and being miss-treated so that the elect may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus, 2 Timothy 2:10.
One who is expressing true love is not going away; they will remain under all circumstances.