"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8 ESV

You may want to study it in your favorite Bible translation.

As stated in 1Peter 1:1, this text was written to God's elect. Believers.

This verse is well known to me. It's easy to love my fellow Christians-most of the time. The last part of the verse rings true because I've made and still make mistakes. I certainly appreciate my fellow believers responding in love to my missteps, and covering my sin. I want others to understand and to forgive. It takes love to truly forgive. Love is a conscious act.

In turn, I try to remember this verse when others offend me. In reality, relationships among believers are not much different than those in the world. Misunderstandings and mistakes disrupt communication. Satan slips in and causes self-centered actions and reactions.

I've been reminded that those who don't know Jesus watch believers to see if the Christian life is any different from the secular. It's important to truly behave like a Christian. We represent Christ. This is a good verse to remember

Another thought, and one I think is very important in today's climate. Does my command to keep loving earnestly, end at the door of the church?

In considering this verse and many others in Scripture, I realized it is my responsibility to apply the command to my interactions with non-believers, mis-believers, and even those who are hostile to Christ.

I am reminded that Jesus loved me before I believed in him. He died for me before I was of any use to him. When I was his enemy.

So, when I meet those who don't know my Savior, I'll think and not simply react. God may be in the process of changing hearts. My loving response may be a seed, or will water someone else's seed.

In all this, I still remember to never stray from the truth of the gospel, but to speak the truth in love and respect.

More verses to consider when studying 1Peter 4:8:

• God himself has taught us to love one another. (1 Thessalonians 4:9)


• John writes that love comes from God and anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. Anyone who doesn't love doesn't know God. (1 John 4:7-11)


• Hatred stirs up contentions, but love covers all transgressions. (Proverbs 10: 12)


• Ephesians 4:24 says to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Acts of love aren't something that happen naturally. I have to be aware and to act accordingly.


• James 5:20


• Romans 11:14


• 2Peter 1:7

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