Love that Endures

1 Corinthians 13:4–7
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up… beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

Love that endures is love that has been tested. Paul’s description of charity is not poetic sentiment—it is relational reality. This kind of love survives disappointment, misunderstanding, fatigue, and strain. Revival does not create easier relationships; it creates enduring ones.

Each phrase Paul uses describes love under pressure. “Suffereth long.” “Beareth all things.” “Endureth all things.” This is not love that thrives only in ideal conditions. It is love that remains faithful when circumstances are difficult and people are imperfect.

Enduring love is anchored in hope. It believes God is still working even when progress is slow. Revival restores this hope by lifting our eyes from immediate outcomes to eternal purposes. Growth often takes longer than we expect—but love stays.

This love refuses to keep records of wrongs. It does not store offenses for later use. It does not weaponize memory. Revival teaches us that love which keeps score will eventually stop loving altogether.

Enduring love also guards the church against burnout. When relationships are sustained by grace rather than constant evaluation, joy returns. Revival refreshes love so it does not collapse under weight it was never meant to carry alone.

Friday invites reflection. Whom has God called you to love long-term? Not temporarily. Not conditionally. Revival strengthens love that does not quit when it becomes inconvenient.

Love that endures becomes the backbone of a healthy church. It holds everything else together.