And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV)
For the past four years, our family has had the privilege of calling the Salvation Army Corps our church home. I probably need not tell you how many ways this ministry reaches out into our community to meet both the spiritual and physical needs of the people. My husband and I always say that being a part of this fellowship allows us to experience the blessings of being on the mission field, without having to leave the comforts of home!
And without a doubt, one of my favorite outreaches at our Corps is the children’s ministry. I along with many other adults have the opportunity each week to bless numerous children with meals, games, activities, and Bible lessons. And for the most part, the children are sincerely thankful for the blessings they receive from this ministry.
However, a few years ago, there was a certain young girl who seemed determined to test the limits of my patience. Home life for this child was extremely stressful, and therefore school and church became natural outlets for her aggression. Week after week, she seemed to exhibit her worst possible behavior accompanied with a gleam in her eye, as if to say, “Okay Miss Sherrie, let’s see if you really love me no matter what I do!”
And so week after week, I combated her unruly behavior with prayer - prayer that the Lord would allow me to see her through His eyes and not lose my cool. Thankfully He answered that prayer, and for three (long) years I was able to love her with the love of Christ. That’s not to say I didn’t collapse on the sofa from emotional exhaustion each evening afterwards, but the Lord did allow me to keep my mouth shut while with her! (Maybe this little girl had the same angel protecting her as Daniel did in the lion’s den!)
So last night at our annual Christmas Party for the children, I couldn’t help but stand amazed at the transformation that has taken place in my relationship with this child - all from “covering her sins with love”. Her fears have now been replaced with trust. Her selfishness has been replaced with generosity. And her outbursts of anger have been replaced with lovingkindness. And as I got down on my knees to hug her good bye and wish her a Merry Christmas, words cannot describe how wonderful it felt to have her tightly hugging me back.
