“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8

This is such a simple scripture, but I think we exponentially underestimate the importance of what it’s telling us.

“Above all.” That means this part is more important than anything else.

“Love each other deeply.” I always kind of pause over this one, because we tend to believe that you can’t help the feelings that you have for people. When God tells us to love each other deeply, I always wonder how I’m supposed to love people more than I actually love them. And that’s where God always reminds me that love is a choice and it’s an action. “Deeply” is that extra step.

Even when the emotions aren’t there, it means going out on the limb, crossing the river, finding ways to show someone not just your love but God’s. What makes it more uncomfortable is that that’s not just about people we naturally love, it’s about people we don’t like at all.

“Because love covers over a multitude of sins.“ I used to always read this part and apply it to the unconditional love that we have for family. That love that says, “it doesn’t matter if you hurt me, I will always love you.” As believers, we’re comfortable there.

But take it a step further. Christ’s love, even unto death, covered all the sins in history. That forgiveness saved us for eternity. How do we walk around holding grudges when the God of the universe was willing to do all He has done to ensure we can be with Him till the end of time?

That’s the love we are to apply to those around us. Unbending, unwavering, selfless, deep, humble, intentional, unconditional love.

Above all. ❤️

“And now abide these three: Faith, Hope, and Love. But the greatest of these is Love.“ – 1 Corinthians 13:13