For Love Covers a Multitude of Sins
1 Peter 4:7-11 (NRSV) 7 The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 11 Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:7 (MSG) 7-11 Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
“Love covers a multitude of sins,” or “Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.”
If I am known for anything, it is for prefacing my sermons with the words “this is one of my favorite scriptures.” I cannot help myself—I love the Word of God. So, 1 Peter 4:8 has to be included as one of my favorite scriptures.
You see, around forty years ago I made the statement, “it’s easy to love God, but hard to love people.” Immediately, 1 John 4:20 came to mind (how can you love God whom you can’t see, and not love people whom you can see,) and the Holy Spirit quickened my Spirit. I asked God to let me see people through His eyes, and He did!
So, I love people. I enjoyed everything about preaching. I loved reading and researching the Scriptures. I loved seeing the words on paper and committing them to memory. And I loved watching the people’s faces as I delivered the message. But what I miss is pastoring the people God placed in my charge. I miss loving them when times are good and loving them when times are bad. I miss praying with them and for them.
If I can teach anyone anything, it is that God is love and there is no limit to His love. The more time I spend with Him, the more time I want to spend with Him. And the more my love grows for Him and for His creation.
May we today and everyday seek out God’s love and let His love shine through us. To God be all of the glory.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Seeking Holiness 