Scripture Reference
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8 KJV
The body of Christ today is experiencing division on a scale we have never seen before. It’s painful to witness how some Christians stand in judgment of their fellow believers, particularly in the public space of social media. The infighting within the church has created a negative view of Christianity, especially as we now see believers resorting to ungodly lawyers and courts to resolve their disputes. Paul warned against this in 1 Corinthians 6:1-7, asking how we, as the church, can judge the world or even angels if we cannot even settle our own matters among ourselves.
What is glaringly missing is love. Jesus commanded us to love one another, and it is by this love that the world will know we are His disciples (John 13:34-35). Does this mean there won’t be disagreements or misunderstandings? No, but love is the antidote that heals and brings resolution.
In today’s scripture, we are called to love one another with fervency, with passion. This is a strong word because it is God’s answer to Satan’s attempt to divide the body of Christ. Fervent love is the glue that holds the church together. Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 12:25, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Without unity, the church cannot accomplish its mission, and love is the foundation that preserves that unity.
God demonstrated the ultimate fervent love when He sent His Son to die for us, even while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). His love was stronger than our failures and sins; it covered a multitude of wrongs. That’s why we are now part of His family. Love, in its truest form, is sacrificial and forgiving, as seen in Ephesians 5:2.
How does this concern you?
Love is the key to peace and growth in the body of Christ. It is the ultimate tool for reconciliation and healing. Even in the face of offense, let love guide your actions. Let your love for God and His people help you to forgive, to let go of grudges, and to pursue peace instead of asserting your rights.(Colossians 3:13)
Let us be agents of love, showing the world that we can serve God and live together in peace, even when we are wronged. Love has the power to cover the multitude of sins and to bring unity to the body of Christ. (Romans 13:10)
Prayer
Father, help me to love my fellow believers, even when they wrong me. Teach me to reflect Your love, that the church may remain united and that we may be a testimony of Your grace and reconciliation to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Fervent Love
