Hate stirs up fights.
But love erases all sins by forgiving them.
Proverbs 10:12, NiRV
Proverbs 10:12 is one short verse, but it covers so much ground. The main theme is simple enough for a child to understand yet the execution can be difficult for even the wisest among us. The idea that love demonstrated through forgiveness erases sin isn't always easy to understand, accept or give. Even though we know we're forgiven, we don't act like we have that assurance. We say we forgive, yet we allow anger or resentment to linger on.
As you read this week's proverb with your children, remind them that Jesus, who is love, erased all our sins when we repent and believe in Him (Romans 10:9). Help them to see that because of his glorious, gracious and extravagant act of love and forgiveness, we have the power to forgive those who sin against us.
Check out this week's devotion, written by Lawrence, that addresses Proverbs 10:12 by having kids reflect and examine their sibling (and other family) relationships.
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Psalm 32:1