Our scripture this morning is 1 Peter 4:8 (NLT).
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
Jesus spoke of love as part of the Greatest Commandment, to love God and each other. Later He says “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35). Peter writes here that “love covers a multitude of sins”, that when we love and forgive as Jesus does we demonstrate a Christian life to the world.
In 1 Corinthians 13:13 Paul tells us “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” Peter, John and Paul, three of Christ’s most familiar followers all preach the same thing about love that Jesus taught. All of our work for the kingdom is done out of love.
While we all can know the forgiveness Jesus offers, we can hear it in all its wonderful, painful truth in the account of Peter denying Christ (Matthew 26:69-75) and being restored (John 21:15-19). We read of Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-9). Our experience with receiving His love and forgiveness may not be as dramatic, but it is no less important.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we fail. Forgive us and help us to bring the same love and forgiveness to all our relationships. Amen.
