Since my husband Bill and I moved into our new home we have a so-called “Arizona room”, which is basically a patio with walls and a roof. After I decided to pick up painting again we turned our Arizona room into an art studio. Working on a painting, perfectionism can drive me absolutely crazy sometimes. Meanwhile, I have learnt to let go. If I didn’t, none of my artwork would see completion.

I believe the Lord Almighty is the greatest artist of all, and in His eyes each human being is an original masterpiece. Yes, we are a masterpiece, by no means perfect, since our Creator decided to give us free will; God literally let us go and let us be – and anything less than this kind of freedom would have stifled our relationship with Him.

So, here we are: imperfect human beings on one hand and our flawless God on the other. How can humans and God ever get along?

Love makes it happen (Proverbs 10:12):

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”

Jesus set the stage for forgiveness; in fact, this is what He stands for. Forgiveness gives love an added dimension. Call it color, call it flavor – forgiveness makes love rich and generous.

Using a North American sport as an analogy – playing baseball, we are sometimes challenged to hit a curve-ball, which is a pitch thrown with a strong downward spin, causing the ball to drop suddenly and veer to the side as it approaches home plate. People’s imperfections are such curve balls thrown at us; we are challenged to catch them and land a home run as we love, let go of hurts, and love again.

As much as we forgive others, we too need to be forgiven. Experiencing forgiveness is like seeing the sun rise again. We stop throwing ourselves under the bus with condemnation the moment we accept forgiveness. Who needs the most forgiveness? Who cares? Playing the blame game never helps.

Love covers over all wrongs. This is how forgiveness works. This is imperfection made perfect.