Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sin. – (1 Peter 4:8, NIV)
Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins. – (1 Peter 4:8, ERV)
Most of all, love each other steadily and unselfishly, because love makes up for many faults. – (1 Peter 4:8, VOICE)
The more we love one another, the more willing we are to give grace when others are not at their best. Incredibly, when we choose to love, the recipient wants to do and be better too. Many times I have been on the receiving end of love that I did not deserve, and each time, it compelled me to love more deeply and forgive more freely, for this is how Jesus loves us all. As we march forward into the holiday season, may we be intentional to love each other deeply. We know not the burden that others are carrying, so as we interact with those around us, may we give grace and extend love to all.
To love steadily,
Is to look past faults;
Ever giving good,
Through word, deed and thoughts.
For grace upon grace,
Is what we’ve received;
God’s loving kindness,
Brought us to believe.
Let’s rise with purpose,
Give grace and forgive;
Love without limits,
And choose freely give.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that while we were yet sinners, You loved. Thank You that Your love is not dependent on our behavior, performance, or goodness. Thank You that You love us because we are Yours. Thank You that You call us to do the same for those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have not given grace and not chosen to love. Show us how to love in every circumstance. Make a way for Your heart to be made evident to all. Lead us in Your unending love and overwhelming grace to treat those around us as You would. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to love others so deeply that we are ever willing to forgive their faults, just as You have forgiven us. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:14
Revelations In Writing 