“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”– 1 Peter 4:8
Peter is reminding his audience of the importance of unity, connectedness, and most of all, love. Philos love is friendship and family love. A love that reminds us that we are all imperfect and have made mistakes, but God has chosen to love us with our imperfections. If the Creator can love us unconditionally, why can’t we love each other the same?
It is easy to point out all the things a person has done wrong and pass judgment. However, we do not know the battles they are fighting and what they are dealing with deep inside. Sometimes the best thing we can do is show them what unconditional love looks like, as they may have never experienced it. When we practice this love, what do we lose? What does it cost us to invest in others and be there to support them the way they need to be supported? Not the way we think they need to be supported, as that is not love; it is control.
Love is accepting the person for face value and allowing the love of the Creator to shine through you for whatever situation the person or persons are going through. Being an ambassador and judgment free example enables the other person to see a better way and correct themselves as needed along the way. In a world of self-centeredness, be the light of love that covers a multitude of sins in a nonjudgement zone. One will be surprised what a difference it will make.
Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, LCDR, Chaplain, United States Navy