The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Experiences labeled as the worst things that ever happened, over time become some of the best. That’s because God uses the painful, difficult experiences of life for our ultimate good.
Love does cover over a multitude of sins. It can forgive the sins, the failings, and disappointments, as well as any mixture of minor irritation and personal upset. It can choose to highlight the best in a person rather than dwelling on their worst mistakes and poor choices. And that is exactly what God calls each of us to do today.
Families Hurt One Another
Let’s be honest, each of us has experienced the stinging pain of hurt when someone we love has not loved us well. The degree of the hurt may be different for everyone but because we live in a broken world with sinners, hurt and pain and suffering will come to every person. We can choose to look for the redeeming qualities of those in our family. Or we can hang onto personal injuries and remain mired in our resentment and bitterness.
Choose Forgiveness, Choose Spiritual Breakthrough
Because of God’s great love for each of us, He expects to choose the best thing. We must choose to forgive those closest to us for all the pain they may have caused us. We can decide to look for the good in the lives of our family both near and far. While it’s true that nothing can undo the past or rewind the lost opportunities, God wants us to focus on today…and tomorrow.
God Gives Us The Grace To Forgive
Through prayer and a teachable heart, we can begin to understand that sometimes some of the worst experiences can be transformed into some of the best when God takes the lead and shows us how to overcome evil with good. And in the process, we experience spiritual breakthrough and we are healed, set free, and equipped to love others more selflessly.
Take-away Action Thought
My Heart’s Cry to You, O Lord
Father, I have been revisiting my past too much lately. The more I replay those painful times the lower I sink emotionally. I’m also struggling with anger against this person who hurt me so deeply. Please help me to fully forgive and to begin praying for this person. Help me to see something (anything) good in them so that I might be able to bridge the gap between us and begin to rebuild our relationship. Let me never forget that you died on a cross to save me from my sins and though my sins may be different, they are sins nonetheless that need forgiveness too. Amen.
Practicing Grace and Gratitude
- Grace and gratitude from God – The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. As I pray this week, my focus will be on seeing my life through the lens of eternity. I’ll ask God to help me keep the main things like sharing the Gospel and making disciples, my primary purpose and not allow myself to get sidetracked by small insults and injuries.
- Grace and gratitude in me – Above all, love each other deeply. Each day this week, I will chose a different family member to show a special kind of love whether through acts of service, a small gift, or words of encouragement.
- Grace and gratitude in life – Love covers over a multitude of sins. In my prayer journal, I’ll write down anyone I have failed to forgive and after confessing this sin, I’ll commit to praying for each person’s spiritual welfare and personal wellbeing this week.
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