1 Peter 4:8-11 The Fervent Love Christians Are To Have For Others

Peter describes how we can have fervent love for other Christians, even those who may not love us.  "It is not a matter of emotional feeling, though that is included, but of dedicated will.  Christian love means that we treat others the way God treats us, obeying His commandments in the Word.  It is even possible to love people that we do not like!"

That reminds me of something a fellow Ukrainian adoption parent told me about how we'll sometimes feel about our new kids:  "I may not like you right now, but I will never stop loving you."

"Christian love is forgiving ... Love does not condone sin, for, if we love somebody, we will be grieved to see him sin and hurt himself and others.  Rather, love covers sin in that love motivates us to hide the sin from others and not spread it abroad ... No one can hide his sins from God, but believers ought to try, in love, to cover each other's sins at least from the eyes of the unsaved."  Unbelievers might use the information to tarnish the name of God.

My commentary also stated that Christian love must result in service.  "Each Christian has at least one spiritual gift that he must use to the glory of God and the building up of the church.  We are stewards.  God has entrusted these gifts to us that we might use them for the good of His church.  He even gives us the spiritual ability to develop our gifts and be faithful servants of the church."

Father, thank You for capturing my heart, for bringing those into my life who could help me develop my gifts, and for allowing me to use them for Your glory.  Show me more, Father!

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford