Love deeply.

“Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” 1 Peter 4:8, Berean Study Bible.

When penning his letter, I can imagine the Apostle Peter thinking of the conversation he had with Jesus of how many times he should forgive his brother. Seven times seven? Peter asked. Jesus said no, seventy times seven (see Matthew 18:22). I can imagine Peter remembering how Jesus had forgiven him for denying him three times. Later Jesus responded, do you love Me? Then, feed my sheep (see John 21:17). Peter had known the kind of love that loves deeply and covers a multitude of sin and all of his wrong, and now he was encouraging his brothers and sisters in Christ to do the same.

It is true that those who love most deeply have experienced that same love most deeply in their own lives with the Lord.

I always knew God loved me, but I didn’t know He loved me so much as to reach down and rescue me when I had fallen, and place me on a firm foundation. I didn’t know the depth of His love for me until I sinned in a way I never thought I would, and He forgave me. And though I was knowledgeable of my sin, He treated me as though I did nothing wrong. That’s the powerful love of Jesus, and this is the kind of love that wins the lost soul to the Lord.

Prayer: Father God, forgive me for not loving the way I should. Help me to love others deeply as you have loved me. Help me not to focus on people’s sin, but to keep my eyes fixed on the cross. In Jesus’ name.

“Consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” James 5:20

“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” Proverbs 10:12

“Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.” Proverbs 17:9