Life and Ministry 15

"I hate you!" These are possibly some of the hardest words to bear, regardless of who they come from. Yet, some of the most wonderful words to hear are the words, "I love you."

This is especially true when it is a love that is committed to shielding you from harm, a love that will cover you as a roof covers you, protecting you from harm.

Moreover, what a wonderful love it is that refuses to retaliate at every offense, it overlooks and endures. It is a love that takes petty insults and drops a thick blanket on them so they cannot be seen or heard anymore.

Yet this kind of love is not indulgent. It is serious enough to help others to grow out of a lifestyle of sin. It is a love that protects, but motivates to genuine Christian service. It is a love that longs for restoration and Christian harmony.

When you hear the words, "I love you", and this is what it means, what a wonderful thing to hear.