Why do people take offense? Today more than ever, people seem to be quick to be offended by what, in past times, would have been very innocuous statements. When feelings and self are exalted above all else, becoming easily offended is a natural consequence. Sometimes offense occurs because we perceive the offending person did not properly respect our position, our characteristics, or our opinion.
It seems to me, at the root of all offense , though, is the deadly sin of pride. Pride is the opposite of love. Pride seeks its own, while love is unselfish. Pride is arrogant and rude, while love is patient and kind. Pride insists on being right, but love rejoices in the truth.
1st Peter 4:8 says, “Love covers a multitude of sins.” I dug a little deeper in that verse recently. It could really say love covers a multitude of “other people’s sins.” One commentary said, “Where love abounds, offenses are frequently overlooked and quickly forgotten.”
I thought about when our children disappoint us, or even “sin” against us, how easily we can forget. We don’t stop loving them or hold things against them- we are quick to forgive. That is what Love does.
How would our homes, our churches, our workplaces, and our schools be different if we just Let Love Cover It, instead of taking offense?
I pray we find out.
Let Love Cover It.
Life By The Way 