The apostle Peter spoke these words to the early Church: “Above all, love
each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” Although there
is no doubt that we live in a broken fallen world, the redemptive action of love
can be seen all around us.
I have listened to many horror stories that clients have shared of how they
were physically, emotionally, and/or sexually abused as children. The scars
of abuse are deep and long-lasting, yet I have seen lives changed by the
healing power of love. One of my clients, who had been abused for over 10
years as a young child, looked up at me during a counseling session and
asked, “Is God loving me through you?” I believe He was.
Ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God, the human race has been inflicted
with the deadliest of all diseases – sin. Yet God has extended his love to us
through his Son and through all who share in the ministry of reconciliation.
There is no sin, no pain, no shame, no emotional wound which love cannot
heal. Our tendency is to hide our painful memories in lonely dark caverns
deep within our souls. This effort to protect ourselves is counter-productive
because we need to let light pierce the darkness as we experience the
empathy and compassion of other caring human beings who embrace our
hurts and pain.
Churches should be communities of love and healing where we feel safe to
reveal the darkness in our souls and experience the light of God’s love.
While we can’t cancel out the evil in this world, we can be healed and help
others heal as we open our hearts to God’s love. I believe the love of God is
the strongest force in the universe and that no evil influence can defeat love.