Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Father, the word that rings in my spirit this morning is love. Running through my mind are the faces of all those whom I have loved and who have loved me. My heart beams with joy and gratitude for them, the extent of their affection towards me, and how that affection is reciprocated by me towards them. Their love has changed my life.
What is most striking to me is that these relationships have not been without trouble and strains. There have been times when I have hurt them and they have hurt me. Deeply. And yet, love prevailed. Because of our love for each other we forgave, and to the best of our ability, restored. This did not happen easily or out of the blue. It was painful and challenging. Yet, there was something within us that drove us, reminding us that it was worth it. And love prevailed. And it is in those instances that my soul rejoices most because in those acts of loving forgiveness I – we – most closely reflect the love that You have for us.
When Your Word declares “love covers over a multitude of sins,” it is directly referencing the love that You and Jesus have for us that selflessly gave that we might have. His sacrifice is the ultimate love that covers sins. For His and Your love is the all-encompassing cover for the sins of this world – mine and all others. And when I love like that I reflect Who You both are to me and demonstrate my gratitude to You by giving in the same way to others. And I know that I cannot do it within myself, but desperately need to be empowered to do so by Your Holy Spirit Who lives within me. And when I am able to do so it is a real time manifestation of Your hand on my life, causing me to be like my Savior and sacrifice for others. Indeed, no greater love!
So today, continue to soften my heart that I might pour out 1 Corinthians 13 love on all who engage with me. Grant me patience towards all, especially those who get on my nerves. Enable me to be kind at all times. Remind me to celebrate the successes of others especially when they achieve or obtain what I have longed for because I want to be genuinely happy for them. As we each go to higher heights and greater depths in You, I want to reflect humility and celebrate together with them, seeing Your blessings behind every achievement. When I am hurt or offended I want to forgive and forget immediately, holding no grudges, but restoring completely because that is what You have done for me. But most importantly, I want to see the good in all, remaining vulnerable and authentic, praying for and striving to be the best, loving me I can be while encouraging all those around me to the same. In short, I want to love like Jesus loves!
Father, this can only happen if You continue Your work within me by Your Holy Spirit. You have done so much for me. It is a small thing for me to do this for those You love. And I will to Your glory. Help me where I fall short that Christ might be glorified in all things in me and through me by love in Jesus’ Name. Amen.