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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Being Attacked From All Sides

"All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a curse." Psalm 102:8 (NIV)


Old friends gossiping about you. Family members who thrive on cutting you down. Ex's looking to bash you and your character. How do you handle being attacked from all sides?

What should we do? Should we do anything at all?

As much hurt and anger there is towards your enemy, it isn't good to repay bad with bad. Remember the old saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say it at all"?

You are saying, "But I feel attacked. . . betrayed . . . I feel wronged!" You feel wronged, and it's your right to tell them off. This will only add fuel to the fire. It will make your world even more unbearable.

The Bible says, "Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." 1 Thess. 5:15 (NIV)

Then, when do I confront them?
There are times where seasons need to pass by before ever confronting those who have hurt you. Wait on God to open a door of opportunity to intelligently and wisely talk to your offender. Asking God to cover you with truth and love. . . not out of personal hurt and anger. Time and forgiveness heals wounds, not playing their game by degrading one another.
Matthew 5:43-44 says, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"

Release your emotional turmoil to God. Ask Him to build you up with His promises and love. Just because someone calls you a name or falsely accuses you of something, it doesn't make it true.

I have come to realize your true friends and loved ones will ask you what is going on. They have your best interest in mind and want to know how they can help stop the pain. If they don't contact you and they are in the midst of the gossip- then you need to question if they have your best interest in mind.

It's okay to cut yourself off from these people for a time. Pray for forgiveness and restoration. If they still do not want to rebuild a relationship with you, then it is better to cut ties and surround yourself around those who will build you up and help you grow in the Lord.

Here is a powerful tool for you to use. It's the exact same song David sang out to God in praise. Remember King Saul had a bounty out on David. There were soldiers hunting him down to kill him. David ran and was in hiding.

Psalm 18
"For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD. He sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:
1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies."
- Psalm 18:1-3 (NIV)

Cry out to God in celebration and adoration-- and He will carry you through.


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