“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” – 1st Corinthians 13:7 (ESV)
The above verse describes the love God practices and calls His people to reflect it. It is not emotional love, but a deep covenant love. It is deep, committed faithfulness, which is steady, sacrificial, and spirit-led.
Love ‘always protects’ means love covers rather than exposes. The prophets demonstrated this when they interceded rather than abandoned God’s people. Moses stood between God and Israel after their sin with the golden calf (Exodus 32:11-14). Though Israel failed, Moses’ love protected them from destruction. He sought the favour of the Lord his God. Moses reminded God that Israel belongs to Him. He appealed not to Israel’s goodness but to God’s covenant and mercy. This shows a true leader who loves God’s people even when they fail. True love shields.
Moses appealed to God’s reputation. He asked, “What will the Egyptians say if Israel is destroyed? It would appear that God delivered them only to destroy them. (V 12). Intercession often involves standing on God’s promises, so he reminds us that God’s love is unbreakable and that His promises to Abraham, Issac, and Israel are unbreakable. This prophetic and spiritual meaning shows us that Moses, as a type of Christ, stood between judgement and the people, as Jesus later stands between God and humanity (Hebrews 7:25).
God invites righteous intercessors to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30). Why? Because righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34), and love covers sin through repentance (1st Peter 4:8). Exodus 32:11-14 reflects love that protects, hopes, and preserves just as it is described in 1st Corinthians 13:7. Exodus 32:11-14 reveals who God is; He is just, i.e., He’s based on truth, not appearances, and He is righteous.
Be an intercessor and stand in love on behalf of your family. Prayers rooted in God’s promises can shift outcomes. God desires us to love Him, love others and build relationships that reflect His heart because He is love.
Read: 1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 John 4:7-8
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 3:21-35; Matthew 21:18-32; Job 22; Job 23; Job 24