Love "endureth all things...". In the discussion of the fact that love "beareth" all things, we saw that there is an interpersonal aspect, a protective measure intended to preserve the integrity, dignity and spirituality, of oneself and others. The word translated here for "endureth" conveys a related concept presenting the idea of abiding under "to bear up courageously (under suffering) (Vine). The same word also can be translated patience and is found in 2 Peter 1.6 where it is translated so. Up to this point the focus has been on the attitudes that one has toward others and how that directs our behavior toward them. In this aspect we now see that the internal stamina of the Christian is drawn on. How is this?
We will face many trials in this life. Paul the apostle was well aware of this fact. In the world we find that most folks are concerned with getting their own needs met. They will be patient with others up to a point, but when energy levels are taxed or emotions are strained, then we see everything from violence and murder to divorce. The prevailing attitude on the part of the world is that we should not have to "put up" with someone else who is robbing us of our happiness. In the case of someone that we care about that can amount to helping them through troubling times. If those times go on for very long, most times, not always, but most, relationships end. Take the apostle Paul for an example of one who endured in his love for others.
Paul remarks about the things that he has endured for the sake of preaching the gospel (2 Cor 11.23-27). He answers the accusations and statements of those who would detract from his apostleship and argue with the validity of the doctrine. Paul continued his defense to include another element as well. Paul stated, "Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?" (2 Cor 11.28-29). It was not enough that he endured physical tortures and hazards. It was not enough that he endured challenges to his preaching and apostleship. On top of that Paul was deeply concerned about the state of the churches that he had preached to and the Christians that were struggling in his absence. He realized there would be false teachers who would invade, and do so with the knowledge and consent of weak brethren. To the Ephesian elders in his farewell address he stated, "Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears." (Acts 20.31). The tears were those of love and concern in preaching the gospel. That was love at work. Paul indicated that he had gone to extreme measures to insure that he did not compromise his influence and image he had established with these new Christians as they labored. Paul writes, "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Cor 9.27). Paul knew that there were those who would lose their faith and trust should he become engulfed in sin and fall away. For that reason he was willing to do whatever was needed to be what God wanted him to be. He endured, bore up, under the pressures, inner as well as outer, for the sake of others.
What about his own needs? In our society he would be advised to find another line of work, to forget those that were so needy and dependent on him etc. Paul had a different idea. Writing to the Philippians, Paul told them why he preached and served in the manner that he did, complementing them on the fact that they were shining as "lights in the world" (Phil 2.16). Summing his attitude up, Paul states, "Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all." (Phil 2.17). Paul was willing to lay down his life in the service of building up the faith of others. He was living as Christ lived. Doing as Christ had done. Lovingly, willingly, selflessly. In the same letter Paul reminded the Philippians of the nature of the sacrifice of Christ stating that Christ had "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Phil 2.7-8). Paul described the majority of those around him in the discussion of sending assistance to the Philippians stating, "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's." (Phil 2.21).
Love is something that most people show willingly. Up to a point it is somewhat selfless. Real love however is shown in the face of danger, stress, turmoil, opposition, temptation and danger. It is strengthened by the inner resolve to persevere and do that which God wants us to do for the sake of others, even if they don't want it, and to keep on doing that even if it kills us! There is a line that most folks draw. That line is self determined and rooted in limitations of what we will "put up with". Christ sacrificed all. Paul forsook all. The other apostles did the same. We have a luxury of not being challenged in many ways. We are tasked to show our endurance and that is where we will fail if we are not committed to the goal. Enduring entails the need to set oneself aside for the sake of another, in this case other Christians and unbelievers whom we may influence. True love is true sacrifice as demonstrated by Christ and further exemplified by Paul.
TLC