October 8

Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. — 1 Pet 4:8 BSB

We often call John the “Apostle of Love,” but other New Testament writers also emphasize the importance of Christian love. Paul’s famous thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians is a masterpiece on the subject of love.

Peter also tells us that “above all things,” we are to be fervent in our love for one another because love covers a multitude of sins. This means that love overlooks the faults, flaws, and sins in others.

This lesson is worth repeating. Love doesn’t come naturally to us—it’s something we must learn. If Paul’s description of love is the standard, most of us have a lot of growing to do. Peter urges us to be fervent in love, which means warm, tender, and affectionate toward one another.

The only way to develop this kind of Christian love is to let Christ’s love fill our hearts.