Inspired by 1 Peter
4:7-19
“Above all, maintain
constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without
complaining. Like good stewards of the
manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has
received.” 1 Peter 4:8-10
Above all. There are
many things required of us as Christians, but in all practicality no one can
practice all of them equally at all times.
Sometimes choices have to be made, and priority has to be given to one
aspect of the Christian life over another.
Here we have guidance on what must take priority over everything else
when a difficult choice must be made: love.
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a
multitude of sins.
When we’re at loggerheads with someone else, the best thing
we can do is choose our next move based on love. Even if that means not getting our own way or
not proving that we’re right, it’s still best to act out of love. If we give the other person a chance to have
it their way and it turns out to be a disaster, because of our moving forward
in love we have maintained the relationship and will have the opportunity to
help the other person recover from their mistake. Love will cover their sin of selfishness. If it turns out to not be a disaster at all
but rather an unmitigated success, then we will be there to celebrate with the
person. Love will cover our sins of
arrogance and self-righteousness.
God has given us each a variety of gifts, and none of us can
do it alone. That is why God has
elevated love as the highest priority of all, so that we can nurture and
maintain the bonds that keep us working together for his kingdom.
Let us pray. God of
love, you created us to work in harmony with each other. Give us humble hearts, that we may build each
other up and encourage one another for the sake of your kingdom. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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