Being Loving Means Overlooking Offenses
If it is Biblical love that we want to show our spouses and not merely affection or attraction, then a chief way we must show that love is through overlooking petty offenses. In other words, being loving means overlooking offenses.
[Love] does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful. – 1 Corinthians 13:5
Biblical, godly love does not keep score to make sure the housework is split 50/50. Biblical love does not silently fume when socks are left out or when dinner is late. Biblical love is not easily frustrated by someone loading the dishwasher a different way.
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8
God’s love, the love we are to show one another, is quick to forgive. Godly love doesn’t escalate the anger when the other raises his voice. Godly love does not take careless comments personally. Loving one another earnestly means being not easily offended.
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. – Proverbs 10:12
When we are quick to anger, when we silently harbor frustration and irritation and bitterness, instead of excusing ourselves, we must repent and choose love. Not yelling is not a virtue. Love is a virtue. Dwelling within ourselves about our spouse’s faults and offenses and transgressions is hatred, which is why quarrels and nagging and arguments are so quick to spring up. And, Christ tells us, hatred in the heart (even unexpressed) is equivalent to murder. We must not let ourselves off the hook easily. The only way out of our patterns of fighting is honest and humble repentance of our own sin without excuses or denial.
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. – Proverbs 17:9
We want to be one with our spouse; we do not want to be separated. The Bible tells us that love covers minor infractions and hurt feelings, and that this sort of love is the love that will last.
Love never ends. – 1 Corinthians 13:8
