“⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Other translations of this word “protect” include “love bears all things” and “love covers all things.” Regardless of the translation, notice that the word “all” is used. Not some of the time, but ALL OF THE TIME, in every situation, love never fails to protect, bear, or cover.

Many of you doubtless know what it feels like to be unprotected—on the battlefield, on the street, in an abusive relationship, in an unsafe environment. I can’t imagine the fear and hopelessness you may have experienced. That is not God’s plan for you. However, we know that in this present time, “that the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19b). But then, we have the amazing promise of Christ, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

So what does it mean, then to protect? One way is to not allow ourselves to be used by the evil one to inflict harm on others, whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional. And of course, we are to be on the lookout for others who might be in harm’s way so that we can offer protection. We can best do this by putting on the armor of God, which is what God has provided for us for protection against the evil one.

I also like the idea that love means “having your back.” Don’t you love it when someone “has your back?” That means that they are looking out for you, they want the best for you, they are defending you, perhaps even instructing or redirecting you, all because they have your best interest at heart. What if this motivation was behind everything all of us did all of the time? Can you imagine what a glorious place this would be? It brings to mind the scripture from 1 Peter 4:8 “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.” One of the ways we can have fervent love for one another is to always “have their back.”

Christ has overcome the world. Now, all of the time, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

In Christ,

Judy