1 Corinthians 13:7
“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Explanation and Commentary on 1 Corinthians 13:7
Godly love shows kindness to sinners, takes a kind view toward others, looks forward to the future and continues the love without complaining.
Paul was explaining to the Corinthians all the characteristics of the grace of Godly love that need to be present for it to be “love.” His guidance was to be used so that Corinthians could see that they were not exhibiting Godly love, and what they needed to do so that this Divine love could dwell in their hearts. The characteristics of Godly love named in this verse need to be read in conjunction with the other characteristics Paul named (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). All of the characteristics must be present for Godly love to indwell in us.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Corinthians 13:7
#1: “It always protects…”
If you exhibit Godly love, then you conceal the faults of others to show kindness to them. Love covers all sins (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8). Because of other translations that translate this part of the verse as “Bearing all things…,” some commentators think this part of the verse means that Godly love puts up with anything if not doing so would hamper the advancement of Scripture.
#2: “…always trusts…”
This does not mean that you believe everything. Some commentators think this part of the verse means that when in doubt, you believe that someone had good motives for their actions and did not intend harm. You take a kind view of your fellow humans.
Other commentators think this means that you believe everything in the Bible.
#3: “…always hopes…”
Some commentators think this means that love has comfort that a better time is coming, that hardships will disappear and that people will act as they should. Love sees the cheerful side of things and finds happiness in the future of heaven. It wants the best for other humans that they will become Christians.
Other commentators think this refers only to taking comfort in the second coming to earth of Jesus Christ.
#4: “…always perseveres.”
If Godly love indwells in you, you keep exhibiting the various characteristics of Godly love (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and do not complain about it, even when it is hard. You relentlessly strive to display all the characteristics of Godly love to others.
Bible Study on 1 Corinthians 13:7
Expert Overview of 1 Corinthians
Biblical Translations of 1 Corinthians 13:7
NIV
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
NLT
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
ESV
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
KJV
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
NKJV
Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.