Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.1 Peter 4:8
When it comes to the way we honor God by the way we interact with the people around us, there is no greater characteristic to model than love. Indeed, we have seen that a call to love others is issued hroughout the book of 1 Peter. When we love others, we can wade through conflict, forgive, and point others to the love of Christ. Because of this, love for others is to be at the forefront of all of the interactions that we have with the people around us.
After instructing His readers to love everyone around them throughout the book of 1 Peter, Peter explained why showing love for those around us is critical in 1 Peter 4. In this chapter of Scripture, Peter wrote, "The end of the world is coming soon" (verse 7). This truth is meant to give readers a sense of urgency. Because the end of the world is rapidly approaching, we must live deliberately, making the most of our time. He continued his teaching, saying, "Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers" (verse 7). "Most important of all, Peter wrote, "continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins" (verse 8). According to Peter, loving others is one of the most important things that Christ followers can do in light of the truth that this world is fading away.
Notice what Peter teaches us about why love is so essential in verse 8: "Love covers a multitude of sins." Love covers a multitude of sins because when we love others around us, we treat them differently. We treat them with respect, kindness, and forgiveness. This teaching reminds me of Jesus' words in Matthew 22. In this passage of Scripture, religious leaders asked Jesus what the most important commandment was. Jesus responded that there are two most important commandments: love God and love others (verses 37-39). These are the most important commandments, Jesus explained, because "all the law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments" (verse 40). In other words, all of the laws are dependent on loving God and loving others. If we love God and others, we will keep the commandments that can be found in Scripture. For example, if we love others, we will not lie to them or treat them unkindly. Our love for others will impact the way we treat them and interact with them. Based on how we treat people, we will either point them away from or toward Christ.
I do not know about you, but I want my love for people to point them to an even greater love—the greatest love that they will ever know. I want the people around me to experience the love of their Heavenly Father, who loves them so much that He sent Jesus to rescue them from death and life apart from Him.
Memorize 1 Peter 4:8. Bring this verse to mind every day. Let it serve as a reminder for you of how Christ followers are called to live each day. Commit to obeying the words found in this verse and loving everyone around you.
1 Peter 4:1-9
1So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. 2 You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.
4 Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. 5 But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. 6 That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit.
7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
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