Overwhelming Love

"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses" (Proverbs 10:12).

We have all seen the havoc that is brought on by those who hate each other. There is no cooperation, camaraderie, or compassion in the midst of their hatred. There is only strife when hatred is present. But not so with love. Love leads to peace.

When there is hatred instead of love, there is dissension and distrust. People who can't stand one another can't work or play together. Hatred trumps the humility needed to be united together in a viable relationship. That is why we are called to love one another. Relationships can only flourish if love is allowed to trump hatred. Love trumps all things offensive.

Love leads to unity and camaraderie because love covers (forgives) the failings of others. Love leads to the forgiveness of all things offensive because love does not focus on the faults of others. Remember that "cover" is translated "overwhelmed" in Proverbs 10:6. Just as hateful words overwhelm relationships with violence, love overwhelms relationships with grace and forgiveness. If we are to overwhelm people, we are to overwhelm them with love.

Next time you have a chance to overwhelm someone, choose to do so with the love that God has shown you. We are told of God's overwhelming love in John 3:16 as we see a God who gives forgiveness through the gift of His Son who died of our sin. That love brings peace between God and those who believe in His Son.

Hatred cannot bring peace. Hatred does nothing but stir up the negative feelings brought on by rivalry, resentment, and rancor. Love covers over all things offensive by offering the grace of God. If you find someone who has been overwhelmed with hatred, pray that God will allow you to overwhelm them with love. For it is love which covers all offenses.