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7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be self-controlled and sober minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 

Some devotions are easier to write than others. 1 Peter 4: 8-9 are written on my fridge as verses to memorize. “Love covers a multitude of sins,” seems to be one of those “take away messages” from the New Testament. Jesus summarizes the commandments as he tells us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself.” Paul speaks of earthly knowledge and wisdom and love, and “the greatest of these is love.”

It’s certainly appropriate to view the scriptures with a fine tooth comb and seek out new tidbits with each read. But on days when we’re feeling overwhelmed, the above mentioned verses are comforting to fall back on. So, if “love covers a multitude of sins,” whose sins are being referred to? I propose and hope that it covers both the giver and receiver of that love.

Additionally, what kind of love is being referred to in our verse today? The Greek word for love in this case is “agape,” which means unconditional, selfless and sacrificial love. I like to think of it as “commitment love.” This type of love brings joy, not only when we receive it, but also and especially when we give it.

In our “love is love” society we want to offer love without prejudice. But it’s important to remember that the types of love vary. Romantic love, attraction love, puppy love – these are all fun for a time, but they don’t hold a candle to the joy that is brought about by our own deep commitments. Ironic but true, and especially as we get older, that our love for others brings as much or more personal peace and satisfaction as does the love others give to us. I think this is the type of love Peter refers to when he states that “love covers a multitude of sins.”

Jesus, we know that your love covered the multitude of our sins once and for all. It is phenomenally humbling to think that Your commitment to us brings You joy. We thank you for that great love!

Juli Hampton Ham10five@gmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: That we each become more hospitable in every way