Love Endures
Read
I Corinthians 13:7 (NKJV) “(Love)… endures all things.”
Think
Love endures. Sounds noble, right? But let’s be real—sometimes “enduring” feels less like a grand gesture and more like biting your tongue during a heated argument or surviving yet another road trip with your spouse’s creative navigation skills. (Why do we even have GPS if we’re going to “feel our way” there?) Endurance isn’t glamorous—it’s gritty. It’s staying in the room when every part of you wants to walk out.
The Greek word hupomeno means to stand firm under pressure. It’s not about tolerating someone with a forced smile. It’s an active, deliberate choice to stay, to persevere, and to love even when it’s hard. This kind of love shows up when feelings fade, when the apology doesn’t come, or when life throws curveballs.
As Richard Sibbes (1577–1635) said, “Wherever there is true grace, there is a desire to persevere. Grace teaches us to hold on, to endure.” Enduring love isn’t fueled by willpower—it’s sustained by God’s grace. Christ modeled this love for us, enduring the cross, bearing our sin, and refusing to give up on us even when we fall short. His love didn’t waver, and it’s the same love he calls us to reflect.
Endurance isn’t about ignoring the pain or pretending everything’s fine. It’s about holding on, trusting that God is working in the waiting. It forgives when resentment feels easier, hopes when circumstances seem hopeless, and stays when the world says to leave.
Here’s the challenge: Is there a relationship or situation you’re tempted to give up on? Pray for God’s grace to endure and to love with patience and strength. Enduring love doesn’t just survive hardship—it grows stronger through it. And when you love like that, you reflect the God who never gives up on us.
Apply
Make a commitment to persevere. For a relationship or challenge that’s testing your endurance, write down one practical way you can stay committed—whether it’s scheduling time together, extending grace, or seeking godly professional counsel.
Pray
Lord, thank you for your unshakable love that never gives up on me. Help me to love others with that same endurance, even when it’s hard or uncomfortable. Strengthen my heart with your grace so I can reflect your patience, forgiveness, and faithfulness in every relationship. In Jesus’ name. Amen.