The Most Difficult Way
Covering for Others – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  1 Peter 4:7-11

Key Verse: 1 Peter 4:8

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Yesterday’s devotional brought the challenge to pass God’s love on to others that don’t deserve it.  The only way that makes any sense is to remember that God continually does that for us—and we don’t deserve it.  How important is this concept?  Peter starts verse eight with two central words: “above all.”  The Apostle Paul confirms this emphasis in the Love Chapter (1 Corinthians 13) that we studied earlier in the month.  We must get this right in our lives.  Loving others, no matter how they act toward us, is at the top of God’s list of expectations for us!

According to our printed key verse, love covers a multitude of sins.  In other words, when God’s love is in full operation in our lives, we are able to overlook a massive amount of offenses that people inflict on us!  We are going to get into the practical ways we learn to practice this, but before we do, let’s understand its purpose.  Why is this kind of love so important?

It should be obvious: No human being can consistently treat us in ways that earn our love.  We are broken beings, incapable of sensing people’s inner feelings and sensitivities.  Everyone is going to fail at loving perfectly.  So, you and I must daily remember that our family and friends are going to hurt us—most of the time unintentionally.  (Continued)

Father, when someone hurts me, remind me how I fail to love you; how I hurt you.  Grant me strength to overlook their hurtful ways.  In Jesus’ name, amen.