Love Covers

Hatred stirs up dissension,but love covers over all wrongs.

Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)

Listen to the way The Message puts this verse: “Hatred starts fights, but love pulls a quilt over the bickering.” I really like that.

Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo, is an amazing and beautiful story of the redemption of an ex-convict, Jean Valjean. When he was released on parole, he couldn’t find work. A priest found him, took him in, and gave him food and shelter. In the night, Valjean stole the priest’s silverware. He was caught by the police, but the priest saved him by claiming that the silver was a gift. Then the priest gave Valjean two silver candlesticks, the last of his valuable possessions. In this scene in the musical, the priest sings these amazing words—first to the officers and then to Valjean:

So Messieurs you may release him, for this man has spoken true.

I commend you for your duty; may God’s blessing go with you.

But remember this, my brother. See in this some higher plan.

You must use this precious silver to become an honest man.

By the witness of the martyrs, by the Passion and the Blood

God has raised you out of darkness. I have bought your soul for God!

And so the moral: nothing but love can cover a multitude of sins.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

“Love covers” has become one of my favorite phrases. As I say it, it becomes more than just a fact; it becomes a decision. When your friend is late even though you broke your neck to arrive on time, “love covers.” When your toddler spills the milk, the waitress forgets your order, your mother-in-law criticizes your housecleaning, will you make the decision to “let love cover”? It is a very good policy, because as Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7, NKJV).

One Year Bible Reading

Leviticus 14:1-57; Mark 6:30-56; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 10:11-12