Day 8: Proverbs 10:12

“Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses.”



All, right, it’s survey time. Let’s say there’s this person at school that you don’t like. I mean, really don’t like. They stole your boyfriend, made fun of your prom outfit, and you’re pretty sure they are trying to steal your friends. How probable is it that you are going to forgive this person? Likely? I don’t think so. In fact, I bet there’s gonna be some total drama.


Now, let’s say you’ve got a really good friend, someone you love dearly, and they do something terrible to you. What about now? Are you going to forgive them? Probably. It might take a little time, but your love for that person will triumph. That’s what this verse is talking about. Love triumphs over everything.


Now, before you think I’m some sort of hopeless romantic that watches chick flicks, let me give you God’s definition of love: putting the person you love ahead of yourself. Jesus talked about this a lot. He was all about putting other people first. Like when He died on the cross to save you from your sin. That’s putting other people first. That’s love.


If you are looking to put other people’s interests ahead of your own, the likelihood of conflicts goes way down. On the other hand, if you’re looking to please yourself, prepare for some major drama. True love covers all offenses. True love covered your offenses when Jesus died and rose again. You are no longer in conflict with God. It’s up to us to put that same principle into effect in our own lives.


As you lead other people, sooner or later there are going to be some people you have a hard time getting along with. In fact, there will be some people who want to take you down, who will say terrible things about you behind your back (and to your face), and people who will do everything in their power to make sure your life is a miserable soap opera (is this sounding like anyone you know yet?).


You want to know your secret weapon against such people? Love. It’s really hard to dislike someone, or to have a fight erupt when you truly love someone. Jesus said that we could tell his followers by their love for one another. How’s your love?


CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Being leader means dealing with people, and sometimes dealing with people can be hard. When you love the people you lead, it makes your life and their life much easier. Conflicts arise when you get upset. It’s hard to get upset when you love someone.


Here’s a set of verses to meditate on Today: John 15:9-17


Prayer: Lord, help me to love as You love me. Help me to love my neighbor as myself. When I have problems with other people, help me to see them as You see them. Help me to stay away from conflict and to lead in a loving, godly manner. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.