FOCUS ON THE FLOWERS - Photo and Poem by Susie Hale

“The end of all things is near. 

Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled 

so that you can pray. 

Above all, love each other deeply, 

because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

1 Peter 4:7-9 (NIV)

kaluptō²⁵⁷² - cover up (lit. or fig.): - cover, hide.

            Does this mean we are to ignore sin in our brother’s life? No! There are other verses that tell us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). However, we do not need to see only the sins when we look at a person. We can choose to see the flowers in a thorny life and encourage more to bloom. My rose bushes are not pretty plants; but when I tend them properly, lovingly giving them plant food and water as well as keeping out weeds, they yield gorgeous roses. Many times we are willing to try to yank the weeds (sins) out of our brother’s life, but then we don’t stick around to nourish the flowers that are beginning to bud. Extend hospitality to someone; and while he’s eating dinner at your table, be sure you compliment him on the beautiful blooms Father is growing in his life.

            Father, help me to see past the rough exterior of an individual and see through the Spirit’s eyes what you are molding in his life. Help me to water and nourish the budding Christians around me rather than just pointing out the weeds.