Love Pursues Restoration

“Love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

God has created each one of us uniquely. Our appearances, our abilities, our personalities and the way we think are diversely different. What a boring world we would live in if everyone looked the same, acted the same and thought the same.

Unfortunately, with diversity come conflicts. Our personalities don’t mesh well with someone who is more outspoken, more direct, more in your face. Our hearts don’t connect well with someone whose convictions are different than ours.

This diversity can cause a chasm between us and a loved one. How many of you have hurts right now? Hurt by words.  Hurt because of someone’s different stance on an issue. Hurt because someone shared something deep about your life with someone else?  You feel betrayed.

Your marriage is failing.  Your friend really hurt you.  A family member used words that really cut deep.  There is brokeness in your life. 

Ephesians 4:2-6, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

The word "bearing" stuck out in my head.  What does that really mean?  Here's what I found:

BEARING:  1. Dignified manner or conduct.  2.Withstanding a weight or strain.
1. Respect. Our actions and our words need to be with respect. Always having the best interest of the other person in mind.  Being Tactful, not just truthful.

2. Taking on the pain- the stress- the drama with them. Saying, "How can we get through this together?"
This means we need to suffer with them.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."  Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

No matter the conflict.  No matter the hurts.  No matter how difficult it will be... we need to forgive!  You see, when your love is greater than the affliction, then Love will always pursue Restoration.

"Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  He forgave all our debts.

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