1 Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
…love earnestly. What does that really mean? Sincerely, intently, fervently, eagerly, and intensely are all words that come to mind. But what does it really look like when you love earnestly?
Probably messy. Likely vulnerable. Undoubtedly hurtful. Completely beautiful.
Over the holiday break I had the blessing of spending some time alone to reflect, as well as time with someone I haven’t spent nearly enough time with in the past 5 years. She is like my bonus daughter, yet I didn’t take enough time for her when I should have. I didn’t love her fervently enough or sacrificially enough. We got to spend almost a full day together. How blessed was I? COMPLETELY! And that fervent love I have is going to show her how much I do love her. Its time for a change.
You see, the Lord calls us to give sacrificially. He didn’t just mean with time and money and stuff. He also meant with love, and love is much more difficult to give. It gets messy, opens us up to vulnerability, and can leave us hurt and weary. But it wouldn’t leave us feeling that way if love wasn’t so important. It gets us through the difficult times, the messes, and the hurt. And it abounds in the amazing times, the triumphs, and the joy.
Love is the hardest thing to give sacrificially because it is by far the most valuable. Love is what brings the broken to Jesus.
Jesus came us to walk by us, to feel what we felt, to be tempted, and to die so that we can spend eternity in heaven. If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is. He meets us in our messes and He loves us out of them.
Love isn’t easy. But it is beautiful. So for today remember that love covers a multitude. A multitude of brokenness and messes and hurt. And love covers us. Because Love is Jesus.
feed yourself, girl 