Love Covers a Multitude of Sins: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Many religious people especially in the Christian faith know the words “Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, KJV) yet do we fully understand them in its entirety?
Dr. Martin Luther King when he lead marches throughout the deep South, he and his protesters were spat on, watered down with fire hoses, terrorized by the most vicious hounds police officers had in their midst, beaten, and many other cruel acts any human being could be exposed to, just because of the color of his or her skin. Having faced all of these beyond tolerable actions, he stilled found in his ideology away to forgive others for their mishaps, and lead peaceful demonstrations. Many will say it was because of his outstanding integrity. I believe it was his faith in a higher power such as Christ, our Lord and Savior.
He is known as Reverend King to many who attended Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Rev. King believed strongly in Christ teachings. His appreciation for God, gave him the strength to make changes such as the “Civil Rights Movement” by looking at individuals who were not so pleasant to be around, as people who needed to be loved and shown a better path to take rather than violence.
In 1 Peters 4:8 (KJV) it says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” To understand this passage is not only profound; if we as a society actually put this scriptures into practice, what an awesome world this would be. Of course, it is not always easy to turn the other cheek, when someone strikes you. We live in a country where many beliefs are at the front line and it is not always Judea Biblical Christ teachings. It maybe the teachings of the Klu Klux Klan, Terrorist like Isis, or any extreme hate group that preaches separatism. These sects make it hard to love them unconditionally; however, if we, who wish to see positive change in the world take the first step, we can accomplish the goals of seeing more racial unity in society; and less hate crimes committed.
In Retrospect, having a heart like Dr. King, who followed Christ teachings, means to have a heart of forgiveness. To see others short comings as mere human weakness. We can overcome these issues by doing our best to show others the way, through acts of kindness, speaking out on racism and other injustices, and serving humanity. That in turn will cover up those sins that in engulf the past.
