Be Loving
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)
If we want to live a life that honors God, we need to be loving. This verse makes it clear by saying, “Above all, love each other deeply.” This is easier said than done because many people have personalities that just don’t seem to mesh with ours.
It is easy to be loving in a general sense. “I just love everyone.” It is another thing altogether to love someone who rubs you the wrong way. Have you ever been in a relationship with another believer who gets on your nerves? You know they have been saved; they have had an encounter with Jesus Christ, but they are just not your cup of tea.
Early in my ministry, I thought that when God called me to another church, it would be a blessing because I wouldn't have to deal with that person who was a thorn in my flesh. I was so excited, until I met them again! They had a different face, but it was like God said, “I'm not through with you; you will need to sort this out until you get it together.”
Have you ever wondered why God keeps putting some of the same personalities in your life? He does this to knock off some of the rough edges in your life that don't look like Jesus. We need to realize that God's greatest tools to help us mature in the faith are people who rub us the wrong way.
That is why the Scripture is saying, “Be loving.” You don't just love the people who compliment you or who make you laugh. You don’t just love those who give you joy or help you in your walk with Christ. You love everyone because that’s what Jesus did. He commanded us to do likewise.
If we want to live a life that honors God, we need to be loving. This verse makes it clear by saying, “Above all, love each other deeply.” This is easier said than done because many people have personalities that just don’t seem to mesh with ours.
It is easy to be loving in a general sense. “I just love everyone.” It is another thing altogether to love someone who rubs you the wrong way. Have you ever been in a relationship with another believer who gets on your nerves? You know they have been saved; they have had an encounter with Jesus Christ, but they are just not your cup of tea.
Early in my ministry, I thought that when God called me to another church, it would be a blessing because I wouldn't have to deal with that person who was a thorn in my flesh. I was so excited, until I met them again! They had a different face, but it was like God said, “I'm not through with you; you will need to sort this out until you get it together.”
Have you ever wondered why God keeps putting some of the same personalities in your life? He does this to knock off some of the rough edges in your life that don't look like Jesus. We need to realize that God's greatest tools to help us mature in the faith are people who rub us the wrong way.
That is why the Scripture is saying, “Be loving.” You don't just love the people who compliment you or who make you laugh. You don’t just love those who give you joy or help you in your walk with Christ. You love everyone because that’s what Jesus did. He commanded us to do likewise.
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1 Comment
It is very hard to love the unloving. I know Jesus wants me to love them, though. I end up saying forgive them Lord for they know not what they are doing. And I ask Him to help me be more loving