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By Rich Vermillion, April 20, 2009 11:30 pm

In the capacity of my calling, I have the honor of being a mentor to other ministers and leaders within the Body of Christ (even as others have been mentors to me). Many of these brethren are actually older than I am—although I am no longer a ‘spring chicken’ myself.

One such brother that I will mention here is actually senior to me in age by about a decade and a half. Despite this fact, the Lord has impressed him to emulate and seek counsel from me—who, though younger, am senior to him in ministry. Through the years during our many conversations, this anointed brother has repeatedly asked me, “How is it that you have such wisdom beyond your years?” (Of course, that is his stated observation, not mine.)

Well, I finally told him my “secret” by phone one day…and now I am writing this post to tell it to you too (so please keep it hush-hush, okay? chuckle).

Elihu Speaks

Let’s start by taking a look at a very interesting passage from the Book of Job in the OT, and then we’ll build from there:

So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he. But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused. 

So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: 
       “I am young in years, 
       and you are old; 
       that is why I was fearful, 
       not daring to tell you what I know.

 I thought, ‘Age should speak; 
       advanced years should teach wisdom.’

 But it is the spirit in a man, 
       the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

 It is not only the old who are wise, 
       not only the aged who understand what is right. (Job 32:1-9, NIV)

Most Christians are familiar with the story of Job  and his “three comforters,” having heard excerpts in many a Sunday sermon. However, few realize that there were actually FOUR men sitting there with Job in those days.

In fact, Elihu was so quiet that we do not even learn of his presence until chapter thirty-two! What is is even more interesting about this man is the fact that when the Lord Himself shows up, He rebukes Job, then Job’s three “friends”…but He never says one negative word to Elihu.

For six chapters Elihu preached righteousness to Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, and  Zophar. When he was done, God Almighty showed up in chapter thirty-eight and confirmed Elihu’s every word. What a testimony to the wisdom and anointing of that young man—and what a rebuke towards Elihu’s “elders” whose words the Lord denounced:

After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer. (Job 42:7-9, NIV)

So what do we learn from the story of Elihu? Age is not the issue, wisdom is.

Further, that wisdom comes from the Spirit of God to and through the spirit of a man willing to listen to Him. This, then, brings me to the point of revealing my secret, with which people of all ages can attain wisdom “beyond their years” (regardless of their age):

Oh, how I love your law! 
       I meditate on it all day long.

Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, 
       for they [His commandments] are ever with me.

I have more insight than all my teachers, 
       for I meditate on your statutes.

I have more understanding than the elders, 
       for I obey your precepts.

I have kept my feet from every evil path 
       so that I might obey your word.

I have not departed from your laws, 
       for you yourself have taught me.

How sweet are your words to my taste, 
       sweeter than honey to my mouth!

I gain understanding from your precepts; 
       therefore I hate every wrong path. (Psalm 119:97-104, NIV)

My Secret

Psalm 119 happens to be my favorite Psalm. Herein, under the subheading of the Hebrew letter “Mem,” we find my secret. Best of all, this “secret” is applicable to everyone interested in attaining wisdom “beyond their years.”

The key is: Mediation on, and study of, God’s Word.

Biblical “mediation” is not some weird thing where you sit in a painful position and “contemplate nothingness.” No, that is eastern religion poppycock. Biblical mediation is where you ponder the Scriptures, and study them in earnest.

The Hebrew word also carries with it the idea of “muttering to yourself,” meaning you need to speak God’s Word aloud to yourself as you contemplate various passages. Ask yourself, “How does this apply to my life? What is the Lord saying here?” In other words, the Bible actually tells you to talk to yourself! (Just make sure your discussing the Bible when you do…chuckle.)

Prayer is also the KEY part of biblical meditation. The best Person to ask about the Scriptures is the One Who wrote them! So have a good conversation with Jesus about His love-letter to you, and let Him, “Open your eyes that you may behold wonderful things from His law.” (Psalm 119:18)

Now, of course, I do study other sources of information. However, I have learned that I am better-equipped to “rightly judge” those sources—and to properly extract the “precious” wisdom from the “base” material surrounding it—by making the Word of God my primary source of study and meditation (to include the use of good Bible-study resources such as concordances, bible dictionaries, lexicons, and Greek/Hebrew interlinear texts).

Why? Well, notice what mediation on God’s word can do for any man or woman who will take the time to do so:

1 – Make them wiser than their enemies: Such “enemies” (whether Christian or not) obviously do not live by, or meditate on, God’s Word. If they did, they would not choose to be hostile towards a child of God in the first place. (Note: Those who apply biblical church discipline to a sinning Christian are not “enemies” to them. Actually, they are their very best friends—Proverbs 27:5-6.)

2 – Give them greater insight than all their teachers: “Teachers,” if they stop meditating on the Word, will actually regress in their knowledge of God. Meanwhile, their own “students” will surpass them in the knowledge of God and the things of God—but only if they themselves make the Word of God their daily meditation.

3 – Impart to them greater understanding than even their elders: Elihu stated clearly in the passages from Job above, that age alone is not enough to attain bona fide wisdom. A man or woman needs to know God personally, and then also study and apply His Word in their lives with joy. (See also my blog post on The REAL Gospel.)

How is it that I am being used by the Lord to mentor and minister to people who are even older than I? Because, “Oh, how I love God’s law. I meditate on it all day long!” Therefore, whenever I am reviewing non-biblical sources of information, I am comparing it with the Word of God “to see if these things be so” (Acts 17:10-12). Even when I am running errands or playing with the kids, I am often thinking of (and talking about) God’s Word.

So there you have my “secret”…and it was apparently Elihu’s secret a few millennia before I came along.

Honest Mentorship

Let me make some final notes about mentorship before we conclude: Keep in mind that we can all learn from each other in various areas, and thus, mentor each other. Please do not mistake the fact that I mentor others in the things of ministry and the prophetic, as an indication that these same brethren (and a few sisters) do not also teach me as well.

Some of my “protégés” are actually friends of mine.  From them I also learn new things about my Heavenly Father because of their own unique biblical perspective of Him. Others are experts in their fields (e.g. business), and I love to sit and listen to them so I can learn what they know. (I have found that the more I grow in wisdom, the less I talk and the more I listen to others...because I already know what I know.) In short, I may be a particular person’s “protégé” as much as they may be mine.

Too often there has been an overemphasis of “mentor-protégé” relationships in various Christian circles, which often amounts to nothing more than an egocentric minister trying to puff him or herself up. Some ministers are so insecure that they need to surround themselves with “protégés” or “sons in the ministry” in order to make themselves feel important, or to look good (so they think) in other people’s eyes. Avoid such silliness.

Simply make the decision that you can learn from anybody who knows more about any topic than you do. Proverbs has many powerful verses in this regard, but one quick one I’ll direct your attention to for now is this:

Wisdom shouts in the street,
She lifts her voice in the square;
At the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings:
“How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded?
And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing
And fools hate knowledge? (See Proverbs 1:20-33 for the whole passage)

Wisdom is shouting from every quarter. The wise man and woman pays attention, and learns. Learn from your “teachers.” Learn from your “elders.” You can learn from perfect strangers. You can even learn from your “enemies” if you seek the Lord for His counsel in such matters:

Even though princes sit and talk against me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes….
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they [His commandments] are ever mine….
Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble. I hope for Your salvation, O LORD, and do Your commandments. (Psalm 119:23, 98, 165-166, NASB)

The key is to keep the Word of God as your chief counselor:

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3, NASB)

Your testimonies also are my delight; they are my counselors…. Therefore I love Your commandments above gold, yes, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem right all Your precepts concerning everything, I hate every false way. (Psalm 119:24, 127-129, NASB)

Of Donkeys and Prophets

The prophet Balaam learned wisdom from a donkey—but that animal spoke in line with God’s Word (see 2 Peter 2:15-16 and Numbers 22:21-33). So regardless of the vessel, I advise you to “learn to discern” when Wisdom herself is speaking through them, and when she is not. The more you meditate on God’s Word, the easier it becomes to discern such things…even when reading the writings of a perfect stranger on his ministry blog (chuckle).

In closing, let me suggest that you make my favorite Psalm, one of yours also: Psalm 119. It is the longest chapter in the Bible, but, Oh! what a blessing it is! You will be greatly profited thereby, especially if you make portions of it your daily meditation.

In Jesus,

-Rich

Special Note: The inspiration for me to write this post today was due to the marvelous testimony of a young man, Joshua. His is the first post listed on the new RichVermillion.com Testimonial page. May he—and everyone who reads this article—be encouraged hereby, to continuously live in and by God’s Word. ( 2 Timothy 2:14-26)

______________________

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By Rich Vermillion, March 13, 2008 9:24 pm

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1John 4:8, NIV)    

(Just in case we did not get it the first time, the apostle John then repeated himself in v. 16 saying simply, “God is love” which is literally “God is agapé.”)

Since “God is Love” then we can easily end all argument about how to “walk in love” by simply observing God’s own revealed character in the Bible. Since everything agapé love is God is, then we can “translate and meditate” as one minister often says, and discover the true meaning of our discussion text. Thus, the logical equivalent then of our text in 1Peter is:

“God covers over a multitude of sins.” ( 1Peter4:8 in the light of 1John4:8 )

Can we determine clearly from the Scriptures how God covers the multitude of sins? Yes, we can. Consequently, we can discern how to walk in agapé-love (and cover the multitude of sins) by examining agapé-love in the light of God’s revealed nature and character in the Bible. Too often, we Christians have tried to understand God within the context of our warped opinions about love rather than understanding love by studying the One Who personifies agapé-love—Our Heavenly Father.

Moreover, Jesus (in Hebrew, “Yeshua”) is not only revealed in the Bible as God’s Son but Jesus is also revealed to have been “God manifest in the flesh” (1Timothy 3:16). Therefore, studying the person of Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha Meshiach) in the Gospels will reveal to us what “love manifest in the flesh” is supposed to look like within our own lives.

In our following installments of this series we will examine HOW God Himself covers the multitude of sins—and consequently, how we should too. We will also examine Jesus and His personality as revealed by the Gospels to see even more clearly how Christians today should look if they are walking in the “perfected love” John discussed in his first epistle.

 [digg=http://digg.com/people/Another_cool_article_about_love_covering_sins]

Related Posts: How Does Love Cover Sins? (Part 1) , The REAL Gospel 

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By Rich Vermillion, January 5, 2008 11:55 pm

He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him…. The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him. (Proverbs 18: 13,17, NKJV) 

I don’t know about you, but I really hate it whenever I have failed to get “my day in court” with someone who has already “judged” me before knowing all the facts. Know what I mean?

Let me give you an example. Let’s say you have a decent relationship with someone we’ll call sister Suzie-Q. You two seem get along fine, and seem to have the beginning of a warm and growing friendship. Then along comes sister bucket-mouth and, unbeknownst to you, fills Suzie-Q’s ears with a bunch of half-truths and unsubstantiated garbage.

Thereafter, you begin to notice that ol’ Suzie-Q doesn’t return your phone calls. She no longer wants to chat with you in the church vestibule. Suddenly, she seems cold and distant, whereas just a week before she was very warm and friendly. It is only later that you discover what has happened, and even then you have a hard time convincing Suzie-Q that what she heard was wrong and/or misleading. Ever had something like that happen to you?

Moreover, have you done that towards someone else?

As a metaphor: In the United States, we have a system of justice that was originally based upon the biblical standard of “innocent until proven guilty” in a court of law. (Nowadays, I am not really sure what you would call our system—in a world where a customer can sue a dry cleaners for $67 million just for losing a pair of his pants…and the customer was a judge too! Thank God he lost his “suit”…pun intended.) The basic premise is that if someone accuses you of something, you get a chance to answer that allegation in a court, before a presiding judge—usually also with a jury of your peers. You get to hear the evidence against you, cross-examine the witnesses, and present your own defense. Even though in an actual court case you would probably have a lawyer handle this for you, the key thing is that all this is done on your behalf. You get your day in court. This is a biblical principle, which the Scripture quotations above clearly reveal.

However, I have noticed in my decade-and-a-half or so of Christian ministry that these principles are seldom practiced among believers. In fact, I would hazard to guess that about 99% of the time (or even more) you are “judged, convicted, and condemned” based on the “testimony” of the first person to speak about you, without really a chance to answer those charges directly. But Jesus Himself commanded us, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” (John 7:24, KJV) Jesus told us to judge people and situations, but to only do so righteously. And in this case, I think the Amplified translation is even clearer:

Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously.

Again, the Bible passage at the top of this article says:

He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. (v.13)

In other words, you should hear all the facts, do some homework, oftentimes ask the “accused” if the allegations made by someone else are true, (& etc.), before you make a judgment in the “case.” Otherwise, you are acting foolishly. In fact, when the passage above says “answer” the matter, it is not only applicable to what you say (to the person or another), but how you act as well. Make sure your speech and actions are based on sound information first. Then to continue this principle even further, keep in mind also:

The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him. (v.17, emphasis added)

The first one to talk to you about the situation is almost ALWAYS going to give you “their side” of the story, with very little regard for relevant facts that support the other person’s perspective.

In the many years I have done marriage counseling as a pastor and minister, I have learned that in every situation, there is “his” side, “her” side, (if kids are involved, “their” side), and then what really happened. This is why a good minister relies heavily on the Holy Spirit to help them decipher the situation. (And most of the time, the kids’ version is closer to the truth than the parents.) Nevertheless, you must ALWAYS get the “side” of the other spouse if you want to discover the real facts of the situation. No matter how convincing the first person is with “their” side of the story, you nearly always discover some omitted facts when the second person gets their chance to talk.

I am sure that, like me, you have had a time or two when you were unjustly “tried, judged, and condemned” before you even knew you were accused. However, if we want people to treat us fairly and to give us a chance to answer any accusation against us, we need to first be that way with others. Remember Jesus’ admonition to us, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” in Matthew 7:12? In other words, we set the standard for ourselves in how we are to be treated by demonstrating that conduct in our treatment of others. Another way to look at it, what we sow, that is what we will reap:

Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. (Galatians 6:7, AMP)

Jesus taught us to “judge a tree by its fruit” (Matthew 7:16-20) and not what other people say about the tree. For that matter, we are not even to judge a tree by what is says about itself! (i.e. It is actually possible that people might lie about themselves. Really! It actually happens.) We need to check “fruit” by inspecting the facts.

Nevertheless, as a general habit (especially in personal situations) we need to give other people the opportunity to answer allegations against them before we come to a “judgment” about the situation or take any action. I call this the “grain of salt” approach to any negative you hear about another person. Don’t take it very seriously (especially if it seems out of character with what you witnessed in that person’s behavior) until you have a chance to “hear the other side” of the story. Of course, if you have firsthand knowledge of the situation that is altogether different (and I’ll explain those variations a bit more shortly).

Furthermore, we also need to do a little investigating sometimes and verify things through other sources before “rendering a verdict” in their case. Even a person’s “defense” regarding their own actions or conduct sometimes does not hold water. Third-party sources can oftentimes help you figure out what is true and what is not.

Another note: When the Bible says every word is confirmed out of the mouth of two or three witnesses that means someone with direct firsthand knowledge…not a gossip or talebearer telling you what they “heard” from someone else. Of course, your firsthand knowledge makes you a witness yourself. Also, still photos, videos and/or audio evidence (and the like) can make you a “witness” to a situation after the fact regarding situations involving public figures, national and international issues, & etc. Let me give you a couple of examples:

In my blog entitled The TRUE Gospel I touched on the issue of Joel Osteen’s pseudo-gospel in the light of what the apostle Paul said in Scripture about such things. To make sure I knew what I was talking about, I reviewed Osteen’s interview with Larry King where he confessed his own error on CNN for the world to see. To make sure YOU knew things firsthand also, I then embedded the video into the article itself. Thus, by watching the video, you become a firsthand witness to the event also and are able to form your own conclusions in the matter in the light of abundant Scripture.

I did the same thing with regard to my public denunciation of someone I personally know and worked with regarding a past book project. We published on our website the relevant facts, supported by numerous videos, documentaries, many Internet links, and various other third-party confirmations. The reader had the man’s own testimony against himself, third-party testimony that exposed the truth even further, and then the applicable Bible passages that dealt with those situations. In fact, much of it all was on video. Thus, the reader/viewer becomes somewhat of a direct witness themselves, and is fully equipped to form their own conclusions. (If you want to know more about that particular situation, see my blog entry entitled “Comments About ‘Bonesman’ Stratton.“)

Now, what do you do when you have a situation where either you are being falsely accused by a real good liar and are having trouble clearing your name? Or perhaps a situation where you are having to expose an especially deceptive person who is causing problems in the church, your family, or perhaps your place of business?

Most of the time, you can walk away from that person and situation and just go on with your life. If you can, simply do that and let time have its reward. Jesus promised, “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Matthew 10:26, NASB) So you do not need to worry. They will eventually slip up and expose themselves. I have seen it over and over again. Just keep your distance if you can (or even change churches if you must—and I really mean that) and give it some time. The truth will come out, and the Lord promises to vindicate His righteous servants:

May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” (Psalm 35:27, NIV)

No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17, NASB)

On the other hand, there are times when, after much prayer and patience, you might have to build a “case” against a person and either go to the leadership of your church (or company, etc.)…or even “go public” or semi-public with the issue. (And sometimes, this “public” approach will first follow a “separation” approach as mentioned above.) Paul explained:

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: ” Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:1-16, NKJV, emphasis added)

He also explained to Timothy:

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,…

Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure. (1 Timothy 4:1-2, 5:19-22, NKJV, emphasis added)

I have “been there, done that” as the saying goes. The fact is, sometimes the situation is just too serious to let go without confrontation…even public confrontation. Paul rebuked Peter publicly (Galatians 2:11-21), and sometimes so must we. Nevertheless, we should shun doing so as much as possible. When it is necessary and biblical to do so, make sure you have done your homework first (just as Paul admonished Timothy above). Do your best to ensure your facts are sound and as irrefutable as possible before bringing anything out into the public. Again, never accuse someone publicly without sound, solid facts. Firsthand experience is even better because you are the witness.

(By the way, these truly serious situations only happen rarely. So don’t get excited and go out “exposing” everyone you know with a personality flaw—because that would also have to include you. We all have areas we need to grow in, so we should not get too aggressive with others’ foibles and minor issues. I am pretty sure you would not want to be treated that way…remember our earlier teaching above?)

A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished. (Proverbs 22:3, NKJV)

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By Rich Vermillion, December 7, 2007 11:03 pm

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1Peter 4:8, NIV) 

Have you ever pondered the above Scripture and asked yourself, “How does love cover sins?” I have, because I recognize that this is a SERIOUS matter. Families, marriages, businesses, churches—and sometimes people’s lives—are at stake.

Like you, I have heard this verse quoted many times in many pulpits—and out of the mouths of many believers discussing various issues at hand. To a person, however, it seems that they all have the same concept of how love “covers the multitude of sins.” Although the exact bent of each individual might vary a bit, you could sum up the popular opinion by rephrasing this passage, “Love sweeps things under the rug and refuses to deal with them…except maybe in prayer…but that’s about it.”

However, is that what the Holy Spirit was telling us to do in that verse? Is prayer the only recourse for a Christian when being confronted by the sins of another? Let me cite you a few biblical situations to illustrate the point that at least sometimes, you have to hold people accountable:

• Peter interrupted his church service at two different times to rebuke a Christian couple, Ananias and Sapphira (separately), regarding their lies and hypocrisy. These two believers subsequently dropped dead as God confirmed Peter’s condemnation of each. Ananias was judged for his deceitful actions and hidden agenda…and Sapphira for her misguided submission to her own husband in a wicked scheme. (Acts 5)
• Paul publicly rebuked his elder apostle, Peter (who actually mentored him for a short while during Paul’s own ministry training), when Peter disassociated from the Gentile converts to please religious Jewish converts who recently arrived from Judea. Paul explained why when he stated, “He [Peter] walked not uprightly according to the Gospel.” (Galatians 2:11-21)
• John, the “Apostle of Love” as he is often called, actually wrote a brother (Gaius) a letter that exhorted him to leave Diotrephes’ congregation because of that pastor’s wicked behavior. He then recommended Gaius attend Demetrius’ congregation instead saying, “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.” (3John)
• Even the Lord Jesus (love Himself) entered the temple and created havoc as he threw over tables and freed animals, while rebuking the merchandisers for defiling God’s “House of Prayer.” Moreover, He whipped a few of them with a “scourge” he made from some small cords while he chastised them! (John 2:14-16)

There are many, many more examples I could list here—and I realize I kicked over a few extra “sacred cows” while I was listing these (but I’ll save further comments on those issues for other blogs). Nevertheless, with these few examples in mind let me ask you, does love “sweep sins under the rug” or is there something perhaps in our interpretation of 1Peter 4:8 (and similar verses) that has been terribly flawed?

It would seem that neither Paul, Peter, John—nor Jesus Himself—believed sins should be swept aside and ignored. Yet, most believers I have talked to seemed to adhere to an “ostrich” approach regarding walking in love towards others. Concerning this common “ostrich” approach to love: I have noticed (and experienced myself at times) that those who attempt to live this way generally experience failure after failure in their relationships…and bring upon themselves much anguish besides.

Consequently, I have re-examined our commandment from the Lord to “walk in love” in the light of the context of the entire Bible. After many years of study, trial, and error…I am pleased to say that I can now clearly explain from the Scriptures the correct way to apply these verses:

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2Timothy 2:15, NKJV)

In the following articles of this series, I will share what Love Himself (God) has shown us within His Own Word about walking in love towards others. Yes, He—above anybody else—knows what is the proper way to actually “cover the multitude of sins” that we might fulfill the mandate given us in our opening passage from 1Peter 4:8.

Buckle up, stay tuned…and get ready for some eye-opening revelation.

[digg=http://digg.com/people/Pretty_cool_article_on_love_covering_sins] 

Related post: How Does Love Cover Sins? (Part 2)

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By Rich Vermillion, November 7, 2007 5:37 pm

My children and I spend time together doing regular Bible studies. A few weeks ago, we were meditating together on the passage found in the book of James chapter one:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. …” (The full passage was James 1:2-7, NIV)

However, as my seven-year-old son was reading the verse aloud, he inadvertently changed a single word…which had significant impact on the focus of the passage. He innocently said, ” Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kids…”

Almost immediately, a huge belly-laugh emanated from his delighted father. I could not help but also think of some friends of ours: One couple is a parent of five, and another a parent of seven (whew!). None of us actually consider our children a “trial” or burden, but rather a huge blessing from the LORD. (Actually, the older ones help with the younger ones…thus, it gets easier the more you add to your quiver. And regarding financial provision: The LORD always adds to that also as we become “fruitful and multiply” if we trust Him at His Word.)

Nevertheless, there can be times periodically when parents of multiple children can feel like they are “herding cats.” There can occasionally be a challenge…even though normally our children are all a delight and major blessing.

As I chuckled away, my son looked at me as if to say, “What?” (which only made it funnier). When I could regain my composure, I re-quoted his version of the Scripture back to him. Then we all shared a hearty laugh together.

As a side note: Take time to do regular Bible studies with your children. Not only will you be fulfilling the Scripture which exhorts, “Train up a child in the way they should go…” (Proverbs 22:6), but you will also find yourself edified from both the additional time in the Word and the time with your children. (And a few belly-laughs in delight of your children’s innocence will be good medicine for you too.)

Blessings to you and yours,

-Rich

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