People Of Love

1 Peter 4:7-9

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

JESUS MADE IT CLEAR THAT his followers would be known by their love (John 13:35). Unfortunately, when we don’t show it, we become known for our lack of it. That’s why it’s so important to see love as our distinguishing characteristic, our mark of discipleship, our “brand” as believers. All other godly attributes flow out of this one. Humility comes from esteeming others; kindness comes from compassion toward others; generosity and restoration come from desiring the best for others; and on and on. When we love well—both God and others—all other godly characteristics grow strong. When we don’t, they don’t. It really is that simple.

Peter and James both tell us that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8; James 5:20, NIV). Does that mean that when we love, our own sins are covered? No, they have already been covered by the blood of Jesus. When we love, we cover the sins of others in forgiveness, quietness, and grace. We refuse to bring sins to the surface because we no longer live law-based lives. We live and breathe in a culture of mercy, always minimizing the faults of others and searching for the worth and gifts God has put within them. We seek always to lift up, never to tear down. We draw people into the Kingdom of God by the warmth and kindness of his overwhelming love.

However you see your calling as salt and light in this world, it has to include love. Peter prefaced this verse with a statement of priority: “most important of all.” Paul made the same statement in his great chapter on love (1 Corinthians 13), as did John in his Gospel and letters. There’s a reason Jesus and the biblical writers focused on this key characteristic: It epitomizes God. It captures the climate of his Kingdom and explains why we were created and how we are to live. Show deep, genuine love, and you will grow closer to God and others. You will fulfill your calling to represent Jesus as he really is.

{Lord, if you are love and I’m created in your image, my ultimate purpose is to be love. May I center my life on this foundational truth. You are love, and you made us to be like you. May I embody it well. Amen.