Prov 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. KJV
I would have loved to teach this topic in series but after studying that text, I noticed that the counsel is all encompassing. Any other key given to sustaining love is embedded in the key I'll be sharing in this devotional piece. So what is the key to sustaining love in any relationship be it family, marriage, friendship and other forms of relationship? The vital key is to cover(forgive) transgressions and not revisit it again. To simplify this vital key further, the opening text mean that faults should be forgiven and the matter should never be repeated again.
One thing that is almost impossible is to relate without offending one another. As long as we are humans, our individual differences, temperaments, perspective on issues and approach to life may cause a strain in our relationship with people, the home is not exempted. Those that are not skilled in handling such differences end up exploding in anger, bitterness and resentment towards others. Gradually, love gives way and hatred comes in. If you want to sustain love in any relationship, be quick to forgive offences. As you keep record of wrongs, you'll experience love leakage.
Forgiving doesn't necessarily mean forgetting as some have opined. God didn't create our minds to forget things so quickly except we want to deny the workings of our minds. However, we are recreated in Christ( with a divine ability) to overlook offenses, let go and continue brotherly love. If love will prosper and be sustained in any relationship, you must ensure you don't repeat a matter again. Repeating the wrongs of people releases the gall of bitterness into you and it shows you haven't let go. You need to build capacity to overlook offenses and forgive promptly. Forgiving others is not in our default mode, it is what we must do intentionally even when it doesn't make sense. How do I forgive? Don't dwell on offenses, let it go.
Father, I receive the grace to do as I've been taught in today's devotional in Jesus name.