Show Deep Love: A Devotion on 1 Peter 4:8

Written by Deb del Villar, Director of Communications

“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8

God calls us to show deep love to each other. Last month, we encouraged you to look inward. An additional way to watch ourselves is to evaluate how we love others.

Do we love unconditionally, showing deep love as our February theme verse states? Let’s explore what this verse means to answer this question truthfully.

Most Important of All

Looking at the context, this verse comes from a passage speaking about suffering and living in the Spirit, keeping our eye on the fact that the end is at hand. We need to live as Christ did, bringing honor and glory to God. We are called to be sober-minded and self-controlled as we wait for the Lord’s return.

Above all the things that were listed, the most significant thing of utmost importance as believers is to show deep love. God calls us to show abounding love for all to see.

Show Deep Love

So what is this deep, abounding love? The word love here is defined as “agape” love. The love that Christ showed us and continues to show us is unconditional.

Some translations use fervent in place of deep. It is love that never ceases, never fails, keeps on loving, and never grows cold. Do you have that kind of love for your children and grandchildren? That deep love that has no bottom but keeps springing up no matter what. It does not run dry but is continual.

One person described it as being stretched to the limit yet still not breaking. 1 Peter 1:22 says, “Love one another earnestly from a pure heart.” How is your heart toward your children and grandchildren?

When we realize the great grace that was showered on us, we cannot help but show that to others. We are called to be stewards of that grace to others. A great place to start is with our families. How do we show this deep love to others, especially our families?

Covers a Multitude of Sins

Let’s get practical. “Agape” love, by its very nature, overlooks the sins of others. What does that mean?

Maybe we should state what it doesn’t mean first. Guilt and the penalty of sin can only be removed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Additionally, condoning sins is not the spirit of this phrase. Proverbs 10:12, Matthew 18:21-22, and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 are great additional verses to explore in your understanding of this phrase.

“Agape” love reaches out and goes the extra mile – it is not expected. John 13:35 tells us they will know we are Christians by our love. Christian love is a different kind of love.

Be Quick to Forgive

Are you quick to forgive or do you hold grudges? Learn to keep a short ledger. Go to God in prayer and tell Him. Have someone pray with and for you. Keep your focus on maintaining a relationship with your children and grandchildren. Tell them that you forgive them.

Don’t Hold On to Faults

Seek to protect their failings and faults. Do not broadcast it to everyone else. No one likes their shortcomings on display for others to see. Think about how you speak about your children and grandchildren. Are you covering a multitude of sins?

Overlook Offenses

Do you overlook offenses from your family? Do you continue to overlook even if the same offense is repeated? This is not easy. We want to say something, stand up, and speak out.

However, remember the number of times we repeat the same offense – the same sin – and Christ continues to love us with a deep love, forgiving and not holding our faults against us. He doesn’t broadcast it to the world. Instead, He loves us deeply and pursues us. We are called to follow His example.

Conclusion

As you seek to love unconditionally like Christ, remember the stronger and closer your familial relationships are, the more likely you can influence and impact their hearts.

Love deeply and show that love continually. May this be the year that relationships are redeemed, reconciled, and restored.