Mar. 1, 2008 - Love overcomes a multitude of sins
Wow...It's March 1st already! Time seriously has been flying by fast. So, it's about time to post something new, right?
Today I was reading in my Daily Light devotional what the Bible verses were for today, and one of them was 1 Peter 4:8 - and it says:
"And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'"
The Bible seems to talk about how important it is to love one another. It's become something everyone is used to reading, or hearing about, that I don't think people truly know what it means to act lovingly to one another. It's totally thrown out of the picture, when it should be a huge priority to everyone. I will admit that several times I have forgotten to act lovingly towards other people. And even worse, they don't act lovingly back. This creates a stone-hearted barrier between people, and God knows why - it's because of the lack of love and respect and forgiveness.
1 John 4:20 says, "If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." -
Who here ADMITS they have ever had a hateful heart towards a sibling, or a friend? Yes, they may not be perfect, but love covers a multitude of sins. Their imperfections do NOT matter anymore. Do you think God hates us because of our past sins? Of COURSE not, He's forgiven us and paid the price for our sins. If we come before God and ask for forgiveness, He has forgiven us freely. But see, with a person, this is harder to do. If someone comes to you and asks forgiveness, and you know you've done them wrong as well - ask forgiveness yourself, and then forgive them. So that basically means - it doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, what they've done - when you're trying to make amends, MAKE amends, not excuses.
Here's Romans 12, and it's an AMAZING chapter to read. Read it completely, and you'll understand what we mean. It's so powerful!
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”says the Lord. 20 Therefore
“ If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
It's so refreshing to be comforted by words of wisdom, than by being comforted by foolish words we tell ourselves...Right?
God bless you all!
~Rachel & Jillian~
Comments
Mar. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Liveforeternity
Thanks for posting about that! :-) That's something that EVERYONE needs to hear! ;-)
I can't remember if I told you about my new blog... www.practicalpurity.blogspot.com It's a blog where I try to give practical tips on modesty, mental and physical purity, and any random thing. :-)
Have a great day!
Joy
Mar. 4, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by littlebrowngirl
I love your username and cute blog.
Mind if i add you/you add me?
-Hannah
Mar. 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by guardedmodesty
Hey, guardedmodesty here. Excellent post, as always! Love is just so complex, it's intensely mysterious yet entirely obvious at the same time. I'm spotlighting your blog today for my Spotlight Saturday. Keep up the good work, girls! Hold on to the faith and keep your head high.
Mar. 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by littlebrowngirl
No problem.
And im not leaving I was just saying I wasn't posting for a while haha
-Hannah
Apr. 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by guardedmodesty
Hey, just wanted to let you know... I am hosting a new writing contest on my blog, you can read the rules at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/guardedmodesty/517224/. I'd love for you to participate if you have time!
Jul. 27, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by crochetcrazy
Hey, thanks for you comment!
The bag was really fun to make, and I agree that it's a wonderful talent to have. =)
I'm looking forward to more post about purity1
--Renee--
