Scripture:
Proverbs 10:12 – Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.
Observation:
Our actions are a reflection of our heart. If there is hate in our heart it will show in our words/attitude that stir up discontent leading to divisiveness. In contrast, sacrificial love which represents the nature of God is the most powerful thing which can overcome wrong. Peter tells us this in 1 Peter 4:8, “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
Application:
Being told to go out with a smile on my face and love in my heart is wise advice. Paul tells us if we do anything without love it is worthless. If I don’t act out of love, how am I acting? It can become easy to act selfishly take sides and manipulate a situation to become confrontational. Love is the greatest thing of all and is the core of the Gospel representing our relationship to Jesus. No matter what someone has done to me, or what I have done in the past, love wins! God’s great love for us in the sacrifice of Jesus covers all sin and changes lives from dark to light.
Prayer:
Father, Thank you for the unconditional love you showed us first. Help your Spirit guide me to always act out of love so I can be seen as a reflection of you. Let others be drawn to you by our love.