Love: The Cover Of All
Recently, I found myself reflecting on Peter’s words: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Written in the context of using our spiritual gifts to love and serve God, Peter exhorts fellow Christians to keep one thing in mind: nothing is greater than love.
On the day of my ordination, I heard these words spoken by my bishop: “Above all else, Brian, love God’s people. For they are his people.” I’ll never forget these words and revisit them often as a constant reminder of my call in God’s Church. To serve as an under-shepherd to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, is one of the greatest joys of my life. And to be used to speak the Word of Life to those who believe is the power of the Gospel that sets the captives free. Peter says that all of this comes out of a heart that loves.
During this season of my ministry, I’ve been serving as a pulpit supply pastor at various churches and I found myself frustrated by a recent experience. At one particular church, there has been ongoing microphone issues that have not been addressed, resolved, and fixed. If you’ve been in a worship service where there are multiple microphone interruptions or problems with the sound system, you know that it can be really distracting. What bothered me was not that there were problems, but that there seemed to be a lack of urgency to fix the problem.
I left that evening service with frustration in my heart. And before long, I found myself hearing Jesus’ voice through the Apostle Peter: “Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
“When in doubt love - there is no greater calling than this.”
Very graciously, I was reminded of what is most important in life: loving God’s people. You see, there is no higher calling than to love others with the same love that you have received from Jesus. There is no higher calling than to lay down your frustration - or whatever emotion you may be feeling - and to take up the mantle of God’s love for those whom he has called you to serve. There is no higher calling than to set your preferences aside for the sake of Christ and for his love and peace to be made known to all. And there is no higher calling than to offer yourself to be used in God’s kingdom, even if it means that you momentarily adjust to the standards of others for the sake of unity and blessedness in Christ’s Church.
I may have had a right to be frustrated, but nothing is as important as loving God’s people right where they are, right where they live, and right where they worship.
So what emotion has crept into your heart in this season of your life? Are you discouraged in this season of COVID-19 hoping that life would soon go back to normal? Are you weary trying to keep up with all the demands and changes placed upon you? Are you fearful of how you are going to pay your bills after having lost your job? Are you depressed because it doesn’t seem like things are ever going to get any better? Are you stressed out because your children are driving you nuts? Let me encourage you: you’re not alone. I’m right there with you. And God understands. You can take what you are experiencing today and bring it before Jesus who knows, understands, and who cares for you (cf. 1 Peter 5:7).
Whatever emotion you are feeling today, bring it to Jesus and lay it down at his feet. And as you bring it to Jesus, remember that there is no higher calling than to graciously love others as Jesus so graciously loves you.