Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. 1 Peter 4:8 AMPC
In the verse before today's extract, we see Peter again harping on the end of all things. We are indeed living in strange times, and there is a code of conduct that is required for the times we are in. The verse before this one speaks about being sober, watchful and prayerful. These attributes all point to the physical, mental and the spiritual. To walk in line with God's perfect will, there must not be any external influence so strong that it can affect the inner equilibrium God wants in my heart. If I am sober, I am able to guard my paths, words and actions. If I am watchful, I understand the times and seasons I am in, and I am able to act accordingly. If I am prayerful, I keep the line of communication with God clear, so that if there is a change in direction, I can adjust accordingly. These form the foundation for today's extract.
It is the man or woman who has aligned with the paragraph above that can live in line with what today's extract says. Let it be known that there is little or nothing anyone can do about the contents of his/her heart. The contents will flow out at some point in life, and men will see me for who I am, and what my pursuits and priorities have always been. That is why being sober, watchful and prayerful is quite important. It sets the stage for how I relate with other people. If I am drunk and unstable; if I am not reliable or dependable; if I do not know how to act at specific times that call for careful thought, how would people be free to relate with me?
My clothing therefore reflects my inner state of mind. This is what people see and which may form their conclusions and interactions with me. If I am to put love above all things, it means that there are other attributes I must have in place also, with love as the thread holding them all together. It is a heart that is sober; free of external influences like malice, bitterness or hatred that can love the way God commands.
And it is love that covers a lot of sins, just like the love of Christ that covered all our sins. We have the perfect example, and we are charged to follow it. Love is that one attribute that can be seen, felt, touched and experienced. It may sound odd that among believers, you would still be mentioning sins, but as long as there are human interactions, offences and hurt will happen. How I react is the outflow of my inner equilibrium. If I will live the life I was formed and gifted to live, it has to be based on the strength, grace and help that the Creator supplies.
Am I stable enough for service or do I still need to take time off to be sober? Am I watchful and prayerful, and properly dressed for service or do I still need time to sort out my inner balance? My answers will impact eternity so I had better get them right. His time of favour is here.
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