“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7
March 8, 2023
It was the late J. Vernon McGee who said, “Love puts up an umbrella for others.” To say that love bears all things understands that love is a great problem solver. This is vital to remember. Too often in counseling situations the solution to problems is sought in a person’s past. This is not to say that one’s past is irrelevant, but it is a reminder that love as a fruit of the Spirit takes time to develop. This is why all good counseling begins with evangelism. Following on this is that there is no substitute for exposure to consistent sound Bible teaching. As love develops, it seeks to shield others from harm or danger. It doesn’t like to see sin made public. Love chooses to put up with all kinds of hardships. It is protective. As we learn to love we will seek to rally around a hurting person who is abused, slandered, attacked, and treated unkindly. Read through the Gospels and pay attention to the way Jesus came to the rescue of oppressed people. Are we sensitive to children who, through no fault of their own, are victims of harsh, critical, and unloving parents, or who are bullied because of some physical weakness? How tender is the scene of Jesus touching the infants brought to Him and saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Lk. 18:16). Am I a protector or do I run from problems and people?
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“O Lord, protector of your people, show me how to shield others with the power of your love.”