“Love covers all wrongs” (12) and “He who covers over an offense promotes love.” (17:8) The apostle Peter wrote, “Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
When someone expresses unkindness, injustice, and hate toward me I am to respond with love. Love can turn a cold heart warm. Hatred only stirs up dissension. Dissension is a quarrel that separates.
Jesus used an illustration when he taught the principle of love overcoming wrongs. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:38-42)
Jesus wants me to be a person who promotes forgiveness by performing acts of love even when someone does not love me. Loving those who do not like me is not at all easy. Loving a person who hates me over and over takes wisdom and courage that comes from the Holy Spirit. Indeed, to love as Jesus love takes Jesus living inside me. Lord help me love over and over again with your passion.
