But the end of
all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And
above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a
multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one
has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the
manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the 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 dominion forever and ever. Amen. – 1
Peter 4.7-11
The next thing we do in days
like this is to love with a fervent love. Love is the one thing that no one can
argue with. It may convict, it may frustrate, but when we love with fervent
love and a true love nobody can answer it. Fervent love is the kind of love
that forgets little offences.
This kind of fervent love
has the notion of love being number one is our lives. If we love with a fervent
love that is going to override petty quarrel and silly disputes. It is a love
that is not easily offended. It’s a love that chooses to believe. It’s a love
that is patient and kind of forbearing. It forgives.
Casual love is not going to
be enough. It is going to have to learn that we have differences and not every
difference is a hill worth dying on.
Fervent love does not mean
that we compromise truth. It doesn’t mean that we sit back and watch others
struggle with their sin.
It does mean that fervent
love, compelled by the love of Christ, is what motivates. Its not being right
or winning the argument or coming out on top.
Fervent love learns how to
remember that though we may hate sin and not condone or support that we act out
of love instead of harshness and judgement. That kind of is what makes the
difference and brings about real change.
No comments:
Post a Comment