“By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.”  Proverbs 16:6 ESV

It has been said that it is better to be loving than to be right. There is a lot of truth in that statement. Conversely, seeking to always be right would be unloving. Love is the pivot point in relationships and actions are the expressions of our affection.

In this week’s verse, the word “iniquity” can be found near the center of it. Iniquity come from two words in Latin meaning “not” and “equal”. The concept may be that our words don’t line up with our actions. When I say something but do another. When I say that I love someone, but then treat them harshly. When I say that I love someone, but then do not invest my time and attention in the relationship. When my actions don’t line up, a fracture can occur in the relationship.  But, but by steadfast love and faithfulness, iniquity is atoned for. 

Peter expressed it this way:  “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”  1 Peter 4:8 NLT

Traits to implement in our lives: steadfast love and faithfulness.  For those times we don’t quite do what we thought should be done. For those time ls when our actions didn’t line up with the words we expressed; in those times continuing with steadfast love and faithfulness we can keep bring reconciliation and healing to our relationships. And the writer goes on to tell us that by fearing the Lord it will keep us from turning back to our sinful ways. 

This week nurture steadfast love and faithfulness in your relationships. 

In His Hands, 

John