Love Makes It Up

Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.

Proverbs 10:12

WE HAVE CERTAINLY seen much of the results of hatred and malice in our world. From petty family quarrels to the acts of terrorists, we find that bigotry, evil, and hatred reign in our world as the number one killer of people.

What causes quarrels and problems like these? Hatred! Without hatred, people wouldn’t be inclined to hurt or kill one another. It’s hatred that makes evil go ’round. We may not literally kill someone, but we may kill their reputation or relationships.

What is the antidote? Love. The Bible constantly preaches a message of love. We are to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. God tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus said we should love our enemies (see Luke 6:27). And Paul spoke of how “love will last forever” (1 Corinthians 13:8).

While love can’t make anyone love in return, the truth is that the more love there is in the world, the less hatred will have its say. What do you do, then, when you see hatred in your world? Step in and show love. The promise is that hatred is overcome and love “makes up for” whatever offense has been committed.