Have you ever thought you’ve forgiven someone only to have a memory come along side and slap you in the face like a cold fish? You want to forget. You really do. You’re ready to move on. And then a memory you didn’t go looking for peeks around the corner and says, “Na Na Poo Poo.”
Before you know it your feelings toward the other party are in a jumble. You’re headed down an unhealthy path and you know it. You’re just not sure what to do about it.
In the old days I would have wallowed in such an intrusion for days, even weeks. But I’m learning to draw my sword sooner than later. I’ve learned to run to the word and see what God has to say about the matter.
This time I landed in Proverbs 10:12, “Hatred stirs up strife but love covers over all wrongs.” I scrutinize the verse. I break it down from every angle I know. Here’s what I learn.
Hatred means hatred. I wanted it to mean something else. I was hoping the Greek lexicon would provide a word with “softer” meaning. (Probably because I was the one struggling with it. Is it possible that I’m a hater?)
Stirs was interesting. One definition was that of a person raising themselves up. The image is of something one does to oneself. Could the strife in my soul be something I’m stirring in myself? (What an annoying thought.)
Strife meant discord or lack of harmony. This definitely fit the bill for what I was feeling toward the person in question.
Love meant love. As much as I wanted to find something deeper in the definitions of hate and love, God left that part simple. It was starting to look like I simply had to choose one or the other. (Now I’m really annoyed.)
Covers. This word was the hardest for me. Not only does cover imply “not bringing up the offense” it means not exposing it. Literally, it means protecting the offender—–hiding the offense.
All Wrongs. It doesn’t matter how little or how big the offense. ALL wrongs.
My scripture dig was helpful. Scrutinizing each word helped me examine the state of my heart. But the word that impacted me most was the verb cover. When a wrong comes to mind I can dwell on it or I can cover it. This isn’t denial friends. It’s visceral. So much so God used clear words like love and hate to describe what’s at stake. Being wronged can produce hate but we get to make the same choice God did. We get to choose love.
How grateful I am for the cross and blood that covers me.
Jesus thank you for covering me. And now teach me, in the next minutes, hours, days, and years ahead… teach me to COVER.
{Whoo Hoo! It’s Inspire Me Monday! The sweet ladies below are sure to offer you an inspiring word today!}
Your DoAhead Friend,
Cindy,
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for this post. I needed this TODAY. I found myself “dwelling”. Thank you for helping me to choose “cover” instead. My day is much better because of it.
Bridget
Oh Bridget, I am so glad! As soon as I read your comment I looked heavenward and gave Him thanks! I can’t imagine how “stuck” I would be if He hadn’t done what He did for me! How exciting to know it encourages you too! Hope the remainder of your day is extraordinary!
Ah, that word ‘cover’ has so many implications. It means I can’t tell “Can you believe my mother-in-law did THAT’ stories…Thank you for the reminder that using ugly stories about those we clash with is just another form of hatred. I need to rely on HIS covering love.
Its a journey for all of us isn’t it?! I hadn’t thought of the “ugly stories” scenario. I have a feeling God gave that to me today because I may need to remember it soon. (He has a funny way of putting things in my “back pack” like that.) Thanks for stopping over! Have a great day Anita!