1 Corinthians 13:7
«bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.»
True love bears, believes, hopes, and endures through every trial and uncertainty.
Understand the verse
What this verse is about
In this brief summary of love’s actions, Paul describes love not as a feeling but as steady, active commitment: it carries burdens, trusts where possible, holds fast to hope, and perseveres through hardship. These four verbs show love working outwardly toward others and inwardly as a posture of faith and resilience. The phrase challenges believers to practice patient, hopeful commitment rather than selfish, conditional affection.
Context
This line comes from Paul’s famous hymn to love in 1 Corinthians 13, placed between a rebuke about spiritual gifts and an exhortation to pursue what truly endures—faith, hope, and love. Paul is correcting a community that prized spectacular gifts over humble, sacrificial love, so he emphasizes that love is the truest measure of Christian maturity. Understanding the surrounding critique helps us see that love is meant to shape all Christian speech and service.
When people especially turn to it
People often return to this verse during relationship hardships, church conflicts, or when seeking a practical definition of Christian love. It is also used at weddings and in times of mourning to remind communities of steadfast commitment.
A short prayer
Lord, teach me to love with patience and trust, to carry others’ burdens and hold fast to hope even in difficulty. Help my actions reflect your enduring love toward those around me.
