In the last few phrases of Paul’s insight on charity, he seems to give a summary of the points he has covered, subtly combining them into a bigger picture. These are the last pieces of advice he gives on the journey of developing charity. He tells us to take things to the next level.
Thus, the scriptures say charity: “beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, [and] endureth all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7
For today’s thought I’ll address “beareth all things” and “endureth all things”.
Every one of us faces trials and challenges every day. Some may be very minor, some may feel as if they are draining the life force right out of us, leaving little time or energy for anything other than the problem at hand. In every case, the love of our Heavenly Father follows us. He has given us a precious gift of agency– the ability to choose our own path. He lets us walk that path and encounter what ever we may. In some cases, He might have preferred us to choose differently. In some cases, He may have tried to share this knowledge with us. In every case, His love is unwavering, and that love restrains Him as He lets us learn in our own way and time frame.
What is He really asking of us when the scriptures say we must bear and endure all things?
I think of the Savior, His faithful and quiet willingness to go forward with the Father’s will even when He knew the pain it would bring Him personally.
I think of Job who refused to turn away from God when all of His friends thought he had been forsaken.
I think of Joseph Smith willingly returning when he knew it would mean his capture and death, because he knew that was what the Lord needed him to do.
I think of a woman I know who is battling another round of cancer a year after losing her husband of 49 years. I think of her smile and grateful heart for every new day.
I think of a father I know who patiently takes extra time with the child who needs him most.
I think of a million examples of everyday people doing their best to live good lives. To me, that is the essence of charity. It’s going outside of ourselves and facing every new challenge as the Savior would. It’s bearing and enduring all the things this world can throw at us until we are back in Heavenly Father’s presence.
It’s patience and perspective.
“As much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day.” Alma 38:5
