A Roof

John Povey February 14, 2022 0 2

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1 Corinthians 13: 7, Psalm 91: 1-4 (NIVUK)

(1 Corinthians 13) 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

(Psalm 91) 

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.’

3 Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Love bears all things. Love always protects. Paul uses a word here which is related to the Greek word for “roof.” It means “to protect by covering over.” Just as a roof provides a protective covering from the elements, or a ship’s hold protects against the water, so love does its utmost to prevent the undesirable from coming in. Love seeks to conceal the beloved from what would be harmful.

Protection is a natural byproduct of love. Psalm 91 likens the love of our Lord to the protective waterproof feathers of a bird sheltering her young from the rigours of the weather. Often in the Bible, as again in this Psalm, the Lord is pictured as a strong tower, a rampart, or a shield.

Parents naturally protect their children. The good shepherd protects the sheep. Pastors protect the church they love. Love instinctively protects.

Love bears all things by protecting others from exposure to ridicule, or harm. Genuine love does not gossip or listen to gossip. Love is that beautiful virtue which throws a cloak of silence over what is displeasing in another person.

Love by its very nature with great patience will endure wrongs and evils, showing a heart of forgiveness which does not seek vengeance. Love will protectively cover over the faults of others with a grace and understanding that reflects the love of the Saviour.

“Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In his arms he’ll take and shield thee, thou wilt find a solace there.” (From the hymn ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’.) God is Love, and Love protects.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, that there is no place where you are absent. Wherever I go, you are there. Lord, keep me safe this day and every day in the protection of your love. Watch over all your children, and help them to know that you are Love. Amen.