All the good works, generous gifts and great knowledge and abilities that we do and have are nothing without love. They come into the ears of God as "sounding brass and tinkling cymbals." They may be Seen honored and praised of men; but, lacking love, they are but hollow sounds to God who looks on the heart.
There is one great betrayer that comes from professing believers that seems, in my mind, to reveal a real lack of love. Paul tells us that love "thinketh no evil." That is, it is not suspicious! I fear that those who often seem to find something suspect in the actions and words of others make themselves to be suspect: suspect of a lack of real Scriptural love.
Love is the fruit of the Spirit and the Spirit inspires the Apostle Paul to tell us exactly how this love is characterized. Love does not look for fault, especially among the brethren. True love hides, makes allowances for, and is not inclined to notice the faults of others – knowing that the faults of others are few compared to our own. It does not quickly and harshly correct or chastise but is compassionate and careful in its dealings with those whose sin the Lord has forgiven and remembered no more. An action or statement (most likely misunderstood by the one who sees or hears) cannot extinguish this love. One point in a sermon cannot make this love stoop to labeling, excluding or criticizing a man who is sincerely trying to preach the gospel of God's grace in the light, knowledge and ability God has given him. And all fault and error that is undeniable and proven, this love recognizes with regret and remorse, not rejoicing! This love moves us to pray for someone to love, not looking suspiciously at someone we should love.
"He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends." Proverbs 17:9. "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of Kings is to search out a matter." Proverbs 25:2. God has loved us in Christ and concealed our sins in His blood. Let us love others in Him also. Love covers a multitude of sins. May God give us more grace to do more loving and less looking, give us more sympathy and less suspicion! "Love thinketh no evil."