Biblical Soul Care - “Love” Lesson 7 - 1 Corinthians 13

Aug 26, 2026

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Lesson “Love” (Lesson #7) from Biblical Soul Care centers on 1 Corinthians 13 and develops Christian love as a “more excellent way” beyond ordinary goodness. It explains love that “believes all things,” addressing how trust should reject suspicion, cynicism, and judgmentalism while still exercising wisdom. It then explores love that “hopes all things” with godly optimism grounded in Scripture, and love that “endures all things” through persevering hope amid pain, loss, and loneliness.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose

Love or Perish - the need for Christian love

“Believes all things” and resisting judgmentalism

“Love hopes all things” and godly optimism

“Love endures all things” and perseverance

Biblical Soul Care “Love” Lesson \#7 1 Corinthians 13 July 23 , 2023 Purpose: To grow in our understanding of and application of what it means to love God and our fellow members of the Household of faith. Considering the crisis of our times, a man of insight cries out,“Love or Perish.” Our affluent society is an afflicted society for lack of love. Just imagine how many marriages would be spared the heartbreak of separation and divorce if there were true love in the hearts of men and women. Think of what comfort and encouragement would brighten the lot of the poor, sick, lonely and sorrowing, if only there were more love in this world. Who can tell what new vitality would stir the Church, and draw others into the fellowship, if only there were real love among the professed followers of Christ? It is love we need-Christian love. Mariano DiGangi The Holy Spirit is inspiring Paul to write of a more excellent way,“And yet Ishow you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31 Not just a good way or a better way but a “hyperbolic” way. The word“excellent” is translated “Beyond measure” in Galatians 1:13 and “surpassing greatness” in 2 Corinthians 4:7 . Paul is telling us that he is going to show us not just a great way but a “beyond greatness” way , a way that is beyond measurement, a way for making an impact for Christ so great that it can’t be measured. Mack “Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 Perfection \#13 “Believes all things” Question: Does this mean we are to be gullible and naïve? Scriptures: Proverbs 14:15 Proverbs 22:3 Proverbs 28:26 Proverbs 12:15 Question: What does it mean to “believe all things?” If we are loving people, we will not allow suspicion, cynicism, or a judgmental, critical attitude to become a dominant feature in our relationships. We will put the best possible interpretation on what another person has done or said until we have the facts that prove to the contrary. Most of us can slip into the sin of judgmentalism from time to time. But there are those among us who practice it continually. These people have a critical spirit. They look and find fault with everyone and everything. Whether it is a person, a church an event or anything-they end up speaking in a disparaging manner. Jerry Bridges In dealing with loved ones, love is not suspicious or cynical, but open and favorably disposed towards them. It seeks to understand each person in the best light with an understanding of life’s complexities. It believes people can change and improve. It sees their worth, potential and future possibilities. It studies motives and makes all possible allowances. Strauch “15 descriptions of Love” Believes (4100) (pisteuo ] from pistis = faith, trust, belief) in context implies that love sees the best in others or gives the other person the benefit of the doubt, choosing to believe the best about them not the worst! Augustine said it well that this quality of love is “believing the best” about all people. Paul is not saying that love is gullible and believes everything and does not exercise qualities such as wisdom and discernment. What he is saying is that love will believe well of others unless convinced otherwise. It seeks to put the best possible construction on another's words, actions, etc. Specific and practical ways that having a love that always trust and believes is lived out! Perfection \#14 “Love hopes all things” Hopes ( 1679) (elpizo from elpis = hope, conveying as the main element a sense of confidence) means to look forward with confidence to that which is good and beneficial. In the present context of interpersonal relationships, it means that the one who loves, looks at the bright side of things and does not despair (and certainly does not convey a sense of despair to the other person) . Love is not pessimistic but shows a godly optimism. Supernatural love does not have a negative and critical

FAQs

What is the purpose of the “Love” Lesson #7 in Biblical Soul Care?

The purpose is to grow in understanding and applying what it means to love God and fellow members of the Household of faith.

What does it mean for love to “believe all things”?

It means love gives others the benefit of the doubt and “believes well” unless convinced otherwise, putting the best possible construction on words and actions instead of practicing suspicion or cynicism.

How should love “hope all things” in interpersonal relationships?

Love looks forward with confidence to what is good, shows godly optimism rather than despair, and hopes for what is good for another even when others stop hoping.

What does “love endures all things” involve?

It describes remaining under difficult circumstances with vibrant hope—persevering with tenacity through pain, suffering, deprivation, hatred, loss, and loneliness.

Aug 26, 2026

Upload by Aurelia