"But They Really Hurt Me!"

Reference: Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. 

Observation: How do we react when someone does us wrong? In Matthew 18 Jesus tells us to go to them “just between the two of you” and confront them about how they have offended us. That is good advice and it keeps the air clear so that we are not holding unmentioned grudges against each other.

On the other hand there might be, at times, an even better approach. Sometimes when people do offensive things to us, we might be able to love them and let it go. Notice that it doesn’t say that you simply forget the wrong, but that we cover it. It’s not right to say, “It’s no big deal, I’m not going to confront them. I’ll overlook it this time out of love” and then tell others about what they have done. To cover it is to protect their reputation, to not talk about the offense and to truly let it go in our hearts--as if it never happened.

Love wants others to think the best of the person who has wronged us, not the worst. 

Application/Confession: I have to watch my mouth. It is so easy for me to forgive but then to subtly, and not so subtly, say things that are derogatory about the person who has hurt me. I need to remember that my job, out of love, is not simply to forgive, but to let go of it and cover the wrong. It is not my job to let others know how badly I have been hurt (and by whom). 

PRAYER: Lord, remind me how much You have forgiven me. You have covered all of my wrongs. You could have shown the world every mistake I have made--but You didn’t. Give me the strength to love and protect others the way You have loved and protected me.