“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Pe 4:8
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” – Rom 5:5
It’s very easy to shield ourselves from people who do not know the Lord because we don’t expect too much from the unsaved, the ungodly. We have learned to put a guard and protect ourselves. However, on the other hand it is very disappointing when someone who professes to know the Lord mistreats us, or acts in an opposite way then what one would expect.
When situations occur where we could easily be offended, we must renew our minds and know that the Lord would have us to quickly forgive. It is a learning process. As we mature in Christ, we become yielded to obeying that Word. So, we forgive and we continue on to love the offender.
In 1 Pet 4:8, Paul is saying, put this above everything else… make this your main priority that you love the saints. Those who you do not expect to hurt, offend, or to act in an unrighteous way. Paul is saying don’t be tempted to cast them off to the side but show an intense, continual display of love towards them. The love that you show will cover up the offense and the many sins where you will not even see it, nor feel the sting or hurt of the offense.
Having fervent love towards the brethren in good times and in bad can be done as we lean into God concerning these situations. We can do so because He is love. When we allow him to come into our hearts He brings His unending, all consuming love with Him. All we have to do is allow it to pour out through our words, actions, and deeds.
Think for a moment about God’s beloved, and angelic being, his Shining Morning Star, Satan:
“Shining morning star, how you have fallen from the heavens! You destroyer of nations, you have been cut down to the ground) sinned. Not only did he sin but he caused a third of the host of heaven to sin. “ – Isaiah 14:12 (Holman Christian Standard Bible )
This was an awful time in heaven. Rebellion was forming in the hearts of those who saw, and knew Jehovah. Satan went from angel to angel and was able to convince some to turn from God, who is all love, to follow an imposter, and a deceiver. This did not happen in an instant. This type of convincing and trickery took place over a prolonged period of time. It was a carefully thought out scheme and strategy. We are sure that God in His love would have talked to Satan about His issues in order to give him space to repent, however, Satan’s pride overruled his respect and honor for God and His authority. As a result of his rebellion and disrespect, he and his cohorts were cast out of Heaven.
One might ask ‘where was God during this time’? We would venture to say He was doing what He continues to do. He was watching over the situation and covering it with His love. He was watching over His angels. His eye was on the very pulse of what was going on. He gave them time to reject the evil and hold to the good. He loved them as He watched. The same way He loves and watches over us, His children. He covers us in His love. and that love covers a multitude of sins. He gives us time to repent and to turn back towards Him.
We must be reminded to do the same thing day in and day out. Love the brethren and don’t give the enemy any opportunity to an open door of unforgiveness or bitterness. He can use this to attack you. We cannot do this in our own strength, but remember, when Jesus came into our hearts, He brought in His love.
…And His Love never runs out.
May God Grace Abundantly Rain In Your Life
-Apostle Ric & Prophetess Kathy Steele
The Prophetic Voice 