Let Love Lead

Proverbs 17:9 (NKJV)

9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

Did you know that the word 'love' is found in almost every one of the sixty-six books of the bible? Did you know that love does not have the capability to hurt anyone? The purpose of love, the design of love is to help, to empower, to protect, and to forgive. Unfortunately, many have done just the opposite in the name of love.

February is called the love month. People tend to step up their acts of kindness to show that special someone just how much they are loved. Many people do this out of tradition while their hearts are void of real love. After all, it is so much easier to give cards, flowers, and candy than it is to give real love.

Our text tells us what real love looks like and what it doesn't look like. 'He who covers a transgression' is what it looks like. The one who can overlook a weakness and can forgive a fault without exposing it for everyone else to see, that is what love looks like. When love leads the way, love is quick to cover, to hide, to protect the flaws or imperfections of one another. When love leads the way, the motivation is pure. Love says,'Friend, I see your flaws and your transgressions. I don't agree with them but I am here to help you overcome them without hurting you or exposing you in the process.'

Our text continues with, 'But he who repeats a matter separates friends.' Did you know that whenever a person is anxious to tell about someone's downfall, that person is not motivated by love? Love does not lead someone to be a gossip. Just because you know it does not mean you have to tell it! Gossip doesn't just hurt the person whose secrets are being told, but it tarnishes the reputation of the one who is telling it. Proverbs 11:13 (NLT) A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

Think about this, how many friendships do you know have been destroyed because of gossip? How many marriages have been destroyed because rather than covering a transgression because of love, it was exposed because of hurt? There is a godly way to handle sin, transgressions, indiscretions, and the like. And because none of us are exempt from experiencing it from one end or the other, it is wise to always let love lead.

During this love month, I encourage you to let love lead you in your actions, in your thoughts, and in your words. Let love lead the motivations of your heart. Let love lead you in forgiveness and in truth. A life led by love is a life lived in peace.

Lover covers,

Pastor Karen