Love Covers
By Andrea Chatelain
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
No family is perfect, but recently I found out just how imperfect my extended family is. Lies, deceit, adultery, professional ruin—too much to comprehend. If you’ve ever lived through betrayal, you know it triggers a seemingly endless array of emotions. There’s only one way out—love.
I tried to see my situation through logic. But that didn’t heal my hurt. I considered cutting the offending person out of my life. But that would only cause more brokenness. It’s not my first instinct, but the only way I’ve found to survive is to cover the betrayer in grace and love.
When I concentrate on how much Jesus loves the person who hurt me, I can extend love too. I’m learning to set up healthy boundaries, but also to train my mind to see the situation through the lense of God’s mercy. I focus on His love for this individual when I don’t have much of my own to give. This mind switch is helping to heal my wound and settle my mind.
Jesus loves sinners. He hates the sin that causes them to fall, but He loves His people no matter what they do. He’s forever able to forgive the worst offense when it is brought to Him in repentance.
That’s the key. When someone hurts us deeply, repentance begins righting the wrong on their end, and mercy starts working on ours. We can choose to rid our hearts of bitterness and anger and instead cover the person with compassion. The best part is, when we demonstrate love over hate we too receive blessings from Jesus—peace and comfort.
Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She's part of the Wholly Loved Ministries team, is a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. It’s her joy to lead Bible studies in her neighborhood, church, and community because she believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers. Connect with Andrea more online at www.afruitfulwoman.com.
Visit WhollyLoved.com for more inspirational messages or to book them for your next women's event