Verse of the Day 8/4

Verse of the Day 8/4

1 Peter 4:8   Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.  English Standard Version (ESV)

For today's verse we return to 1 Peter, this time chapter 4 where Peter shows us how we can overcome those sins that were mentioned yesterday, among them malice, deceit and hypocrisy.  They can be overcome by loving others and each other.  The English Standard Version above says "earnestly" while other translations use "deeply" or "sincerely" which are all good.  The word in the original language meant to be "stretched" or "strained".  It is not something that comes easily.  As with exercise, if we are to grow stronger those muscle groups need to be strained and stretched.  So it is spiritually, if we are to grow we must stretch or be stretched and it won't come naturally or easily.  But with love, all things are possible.

Don Fortner writes, "Love covers, overlooks, speedily forgives and forgets. Love invents reasons to avoid strife. Love puts the best possible construction on doubtful matters. Love seeks unity and agreement. Love does not rigidly examine a brother's failures. It will not deliberately expose a brother's faults. It refuses to uncover the sins of another."

When we are aggravated or irritated by the words or actions of someone else, instead of responding in retaliation may we try to respond in some way that shows love or compassion or perhaps forgiveness.  It may not only lift our spirit it may do so for the person to whom we respond to.

I was sinking deep in sin
Far from the peaceful shore
Very deeply stained within
Sinking to rise no more
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry
From the waters lifted me
Now safe am I

Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!

Wise King Solomon had something to say on this as well.

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife,

    but love covers all offenses.   English Standard Version (ESV)

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

1 Peter 4:7-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

Serving for God's Glory

⁷ But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. ⁸ And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." ⁹ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, let him speak as the ^[a]oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the ^[b]dominion forever and ever. Amen.