"Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8)
Here's a test. You've heard of tongue-twisters … well here's an eye-twister (which may be difficult for those whose primary language isn't English). See if you can read the following:
"According to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deosn't raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?"
(Now I know why I am such a poor proofreader - especially of my own writing.)
The mind does a similar thing in other areas of life. That is, we see things not the way they are, but the way we are. For instance, if I am a negative person, I will see negative things in what others do - things that may not even be there - and be critical of them. If I am a supersensitive person, I will read into what others say or do and overreact - not on the basis of what they have said or done, but on the basis of who and what I am.
On the other hand, if I am a loving person, I will overlook the petty faults in others and be accepting and forgiving of them, for love does "cover a multitude of sins."
“Where love abounds in a fellowship of Christians, many small offences, and even some large ones, are readily overlooked and forgotten. But where love is lacking, every word is viewed with suspicion, every action is liable to misunderstanding, and conflicts abound — to Satan’s perverse delight.” (Grudem)
Indeed, what we see is who we are or who we are is what we will see.
Suggested prayer:
"Dear God, help me to be a loving person and, while not being blind to evil, help me not to be negative or super-sensitive, but to overlook the petty faults of others. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."
By Dick Innes
Don't forget to Like / Share / Comment on the various social media platforms below:
Comments