“Above all love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 4:8

Everyday we are bombarded with news of someone being shot or robbed or mistreated. When I hear about the news of one leader of a country planning to invade another or      someone stealing a car at gunpoint, I often wonder if only this one simple Bible verse were embraced, how much it would positively affect our world. These things happen in our families, communities and across the globe.

I was brought up in a family of 12 in a small town in South Dakota. My father was a teacher and my mother’s primary job was taking care of us. Like many families, our lives brought challenges and I am sure there were many reasons for anger. I only use this example because if anyone had reasons to find fault in the world or think they are being unfairly mistreated, it would not be hard to understand why.

I understand as humans, we can find faults in each other at times and use that to create separation when we have disagreements. Our patience is often tested. Even during a short drive to the grocery store, we can find ourselves getting angry with another driver. I know, because I have personally experienced it. I know it is not always easy to show kindness. If we remind ourselves every day to live out these simple words, just imagine how different our lives could be.

The Bible can be overwhelming and complicated. However, if we sum it up with these words, “above all, love one another,” it makes all that our Lord asks of us achievable and takes the uncertainty away. 

Prayer: Dear gracious and loving Lord, we ask that You guide us, in all that we do, to show our love to each other in both the obvious and unexpected ways. Help us to encourage and uplift each other so that our love shines through. Amen.