“Above
all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Sometimes
we make this harder than it has to be…This doesn’t say agree with
everyone. It doesn’t say make sure
everyone thinks like you think…it says love each other.
In
fact, it acknowledges that people will make mistakes, even sin…and yet love covers
them.
When
Julie and I were preparing for our wedding Tommy Nelson made a statement that
stuck in my mind. He said when he counsels couples with problems he can tell
immediately how difficult it will be to reconcile.
If
there is a hardness - like metal on metal – things will
be challenging. But if there is softness - like rabbit fur hitting rabbit fur –
almost anything can be worked out.
Our
society has become metal on metal – any little bump creates a permanent
dent. Any collision of concepts wrecks
relationships. We hold our political
affiliations like battle flags…We wear our beliefs like game jerseys and if
yours is different than mine you are the enemy. We have completely abandoned the concept of
biblical love.
This
verse says there is something stronger than political convictions. There is
something more important than our feelings…This verse says ABOVE ALL – love
each other.
And
it’s not referring to a shallow “I love him, but I don’t like him” kind of
love….it says to love each other deeply…And then it tells you why – because
love is the rabbit fur of relationships.
It
prevents permanent dents and scratches…It allows for differences without
division. It prevents a sin from permanently separating people…. How can we as
Christians not be different than the rest of the world in this?
Jesus
knew the rich young ruler would walk away from Him in disagreement – but loved
Him anyway. He didn’t lower the bar of holiness – He didn’t redefine sin to
make him comfortable… they never agreed - but Jesus still loved him.
We
are to do the same… love each other deeply.
The
most powerful force on the planet is at your disposal. You have been commanded
to direct that force generously at each other…If you do this it will change
your life, and our society.
It
may not change people’s votes…but it could change their eternity.
“A
new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love
one another.” - Jesus
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