Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8 CSB)
Here is another above all concerning love. We are to maintain a constant love for one another. This is a deeper verse than it appears the first time you read it.
The first thing we notice is this is a command from God. It doesn’t say to try or attempt to. This verse commands us to maintain constant love. It isn’t variable. It is to be a constant love and we are to maintain it. God won’t do it for us.
Just like last week’s post (Above All, Put On Love), this is an above-all command. On top of everything else, we are to maintain a constant love.
The word “constant” means unfailing, fervent, and intense. This is the love we are to maintain. An unfailing, fervent, and intense love will cover a multitude of sins. No other love will do that.
This is the love that will forgive and disregard the offenses of others. This constant love will keep you from being hurt or offended. Constant love will keep you from being hurt by the church.
Peter got this from the book of Proverbs. “Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses.” (Proverbs 10:12 CSB)
God tells us love covers all offenses. How does this work? God gives us the answer to this question in Proverbs, too.
Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends. (Proverbs 17:9 CSB)
Therefore, don’t be offended. Above all, maintain a constant love. This will end strife and keep harmony in the Church and everywhere else you may go.
Prayer
Father, again I thank you for giving me love and having the Holy Spirit spread that love in my heart. I will allow your love that is shed abroad in my heart to cover the multitude of sins around me, just like your love covers my multitude of sins. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Additional Scriptures:
1 Corinthians 13:4-8; Romans 13:8; Philippians 2:3; Matthew 5:43-48; Matthew 64-15; John 13:34; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:8
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