If you have been married for long, you and your husband have probably had a disagreement. You may have felt offended or hurt.
Over our 20 years of marriage, from time to time, my husband would say something to me that would hurt my feelings. I’m sure I said things that hurt him, too. When he spoke words that hurt me, I had a choice to make, I could dwell on them or I could forgive and forget them.
I loved my husband and he loved me. But we were not perfect people. As we think about our relationships with others, if we aren’t careful, we can become focused on the wrongs other people (especially those close) have done to us. A better choice is to love and forgive them despite them mistakes.
And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
I Peter 4:8
Peter reminds us to forgive each and let our love cover or blind us the sins and offenses others have done to us. We can show love by providing hospitality, serving together and using our gifts in ministry.
Many times, we struggle with forgiving others, but we can work toward loving others as God loves us. God forgives our sins and forgets them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).
When we dwell on the sins and offenses others do to us, we are continuing to hurt ourselves. We build up anger, frustration and bitterness. These emotions are not the fruit of the spirit and they will hurt us.
If you are angry or feel you have been wronged by another (whether they know it or not), love them and forgive them.
We show the love of Christ by loving others, forgiving them, and letting go of the past wrongs.
