1st Corinthians 13:4 Charity" ... 7 "Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
This passage of scripture must be understood in its proper context, so as not to be driven to extremes in application to real life situations. When the Bible states that charity "Believeth all things" it is not saying that as Christians we should be naive or ill-informed about every story we may hear, or more importantly, about the truths we are to live by. On the contrary, the Bible actually encourages us to do serious research and investigation about the many doctrines and principles we espouse, lest we fall into the multitudinous errors of the last days in which we now live. In addition we are admonished to avoid profane babblings which can adversely affect our religious experience. Let's read:
2nd Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
So when the Bible says that charity believeth all things, it has to do with the attitude of belief, and the disposition to give a person the benefit of the doubt until the pertinent facts about what is being said, or what is being presented can be ascertained. In our interactions with each other a spirit of skepticism or distrust is often introduced if we have questions about the person that cannot be readily answered. For instance, if a brother or sister in the church were to confide in another some personal information which required resolution or financial assistance, the spirit of true love will then first take the information at face value, believing that what was said is true. Then if we are asked to take proactive steps in the remediation of the situation we should take the matter to the Lord in prayer so that He may Guide us with wisdom and discretion in the ways of His choosing, but our first impulse should be to believe.
The disposition to be skeptical and doubtful about the words and testimonies of others is not of God, and we should instead cultivate a mind that is ready to believe, for as Christ Himself has said, "All things are possible to Him that believes", a principle and fact that came true in the lives of two blind men who followed Christ, petitioning Him for the restoration of their sight. After presenting their request, Jesus asked the all-important question "Do yo believe" to which they answered in the affirmative, and the rest is history. Let's read:
Matthew 9:27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. 28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. 29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
A mind that is readily disposed to believe is sometimes exposed to some level of risk, but it is also exposed to limitless possibilities which are not accessible to those who deliberately harbor an attitude of doubt. We therefore end with a passage of scripture that encourages us to believe, for it is through this particular channel that all of the blessings of God are made available to His children. Let's read:
Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!