“Love . . .
thinks no evil,
bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:5-7
Love does not suspect unkindness, in kind deeds. Love does not imagine an enemy, in every friend. Love does not fear insincerity, in sincere expressions of love. Love does not question one’s motives, nor discount their acts.
But love overlooks mistakes and hides human faults. It tries to think of others always at their best, not at their worst. It considers the best possibilities in people, what they may become through divine love and grace — and not merely what they now are. It is wonderful how seeing through love’s eyes changes the whole view of earthly life, transforming it. If the heart is filled with fear, risk, suspicion, distrust, and doubts — the world grows very ugly. But love sees hope, opportunity, brightness, and beauty everywhere.
J.R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain.
