Works in progress
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” ( 1 Peter 4:8 ), was a statement the apostle Peter made to believers suffering for their faith in Christ. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, Peter knew what it was to be persecuted for being a follower of Christ. He knew what it felt like to be the minority in a world filled with people who lived for themselves. But, he also knew what it looked like to be loved and forgiven … he remembered the day he’d denied even knowing Jesus or being His disciple…heard that rooster crow and saw the pain in Jesus’ eyes … as Jesus had earlier predicted ( Matthew 26:34 ). This from a man chosen by Jesus…a man that had lived with Jesus and learned from Jesus…a close companion and friend of Jesus ! Peter was lookin out for Peter when everything was goin down and his life was in jeopardy. He was watching as Jesus was about to be killed, and he didn’t wanna get caught up in that “net”. Although he couldn’t “take it back”… and he felt bad about what he’d done ( more like’NOT done’ ), he also knew what it was to be loved and forgiven. Jesus may or may not call us off the water and cook us some fish,( John chapter 21 ), but He’s still in the “forgiveness” and “loving” business ! The way we choose to look over the shortcomings of others…their insults and hostility, says alot about who our “Lord”/ “lord” is. We can choose to be argumentative, pessimistic and fault-finding … or … we can be merciful…offer grace and forgiveness…and “love deeply”. None of us are perfect yet…we make mistakes and miss the mark of God’s holiness more than we wanna admit. That don’t mean we have to live in self-pity and refuse to change ! Our occasional poor choice and our failure, doesn’t define us … our faith in Christ defines who He is ! People will be people … with all their flaws and weaknesses … but Jesus never sinned … and He’s the Author and Perfector of our faith ( Hebrews 12:2 ). By choosing to withhold grace, mercy and/or forgiveness…we’ve put ourselves in the place that’s rightfully GOD’S. Let’s be more patient ( long-suffering) with each other … we’re all works-in-progress. Father God, please forgive our short-sightedness and imperfections. We don’t want others to look at us and get a wrong impression about You. Let them see the love and forgiveness of Christ when we’re around or in their hearing. Thank You for reminding us of this through the study of Your Word. In Jesus’ name … Amen.