Love Covers

Ok, here’s another personal lesson testimony with a surprise. I recently had the privilege of going out with a few of the guys to invite people to our Spanish services. One of the places we hit was the flea market, where I got a variety of opportunities to share with people, and just show God’s love.

The first people I talked to were some Hispanic people. I chatted with them, invited them to our Spanish services, and gave them a little handout card. While I was talking to them, I saw an elderly black man going by, and I really felt like I wanted to share something with him, but by the time I was done talking to the other people, he was gone. Oh well.

I went on a little farther, and here he comes back in my direction. Great, I get another opportunity. Then as I approached him, I noticed his zipper was down. Oh, boy. That sure messes things up. Do I just talk to him, and ignore the zipper? If I tell him about his “problem”, that will sure spoil the atmosphere for sharing any gospel with him. I decided to tell him. If I didn’t, he would realize it sooner or later, and probably feel really embarrassed, and wonder who noticed, and maybe think he was losing it, mentally.

I just put my hand on his shoulder, and whispered in his ear. He said, “Oh… Oh thanks,” and quickly corrected the problem. All I felt to say then was just “Hey, I love you.” And walked on.

I went on a little farther, and there was guy in a booth, suffering from asthma. He was real hesitant when I asked if I could pray for him, but he said, “OK, but make it quick.” I prayed with him. He got relief, and was all happy. I went on and shared with some others, just trying to encourage them with the Word, and just generally showing kindness.

Afterwards, I’m really searching my heart, and asking the Lord how I did. Was I disrespectful to anyone? Was I acting in any pride? Did I do enough, say enough? Did I break any rules? Did I miss it anywhere? I really want to please God, so I was thinking along this line for a couple days.

Then the Lord spoke to me, “You remember that elderly black guy? What you did for him was the best thing you did all day, because that’s My heart. Love covers.” God doesn’t want to shame anybody. He doesn’t want people’s sins and failures to be exposed. He wants to wipe away the sin and disgrace. He doesn’t take pleasure or satisfaction in seeing them reap the evil they’ve sown. He’s reaching out with open arms, wanting all mankind to come to Him, so they can reap what JESUS sowed FOR them. Jesus bore the shame and disgrace, so they wouldn’t have to.

God doesn’t want to shame anybody. He doesn’t want people’s sins and failures to be exposed. He wants to wipe away the sin and disgrace. He doesn’t take pleasure or satisfaction in seeing them reap the evil they’ve sown. He’s reaching out with open arms, wanting all mankind to come to Him, so they can reap what JESUS sowed FOR them. His Son bore the shame and disgrace, so they wouldn’t have to.