TOPIC : LIVE AS CHILDREN OF LOVE
REV. EKOW ESHUN
SCRIPTURE : 1 PETER 4:8
(NKJV)
”And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
It feels different and exciting, particularly when you read the writings of Apostles Peter, John and James. Why? This is because one can see signs and evidence of the intimate and rather special relationship they had with the Lord Jesus. They all had quite a unique testimony of their own because of their closeness with the Lord Jesus. What apostle Peter is teaching us in today’s text reflects the point I’m making. For me, this is a clear reflection of what Jesus taught the 12 and the other disciples that followed him. It was about love.
Remember that out of God’s love, we became saved. John 3:16 states; ”For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Peter, the apostle, goes on to tell us to have, ”fervent charity” towards one another. Fervent charity? This means intense or unfailing love towards one another as believers. At least, two things come to mind here upon reflection.
First of all, true love moves you to give according to John 3:16. Secondly, love is a forgiver and covers a multitude of sins. That also means love is tolerant and accommodating. These are two children or expressions of Love ie giving and forgiving.
Let us face the reality; No serious relationship can develop without giving and forgiving. These two are more like kindness and tolerance. Let us remember that giving and forgiving are essential because people and relationships are special. Isn’t that the reason why Jesus came? Out of love, He came to die for us. Why? Because human beings are special to God and after we get saved, our spiritual maturity becomes priority as we also learn to give and forgive.
The message of love therefore becomes one message every believer must learn, keep learning, practice and keep practicing to develop maturity or Christlikeness. The world has misapplied the message and life of love. Why? They don’t understand the love of God. Outside of God’s love, every love is inherently selfish. God’s love is selfless, sacrificing and forgiving. This is the standard expected of us as believers towards one another.
PRAYERThank you, Father, that your love is shed abroad in us by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Because of your grace, we have the enablement to be doers of your Word. Thank you that through kindness and tolerance, we are a blessing to others in Jesus’ name. Amen.
FURTHER READING
(NKJV)
1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-4
” Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;….”
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