Most important of all...
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”-1 Peter 4:8
Imagine you are having a conversation with someone you love very much, someone you deeply respect and admire, and suddenly, with a sense of urgency, they speak these intentional words — “Most important of all…” Would you not sit forward a bit to hear what was so important? Wouldn’t you pay close attention to what they had to say that was obviously so vital? Of course you would! When someone significant to us says, “Most important of all…” we listen! We take note. We focus. This is why we should pay such close attention to God’s Word when we’re instructed, “Most important of all…” For God Himself wants us to pay close attention.
So what is most important of all? Let’s reread 1 Peter 4:8: “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” In other words, ABOVE ALL, above anything else we could be about, loving one another matters most. That’s pretty profound. Let’s not miss this! The Apostle Paul was led by God to put it similarly in Colossians 3:14: “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” The “most important of all…” and the “above all…” statements are both connected to love. Notice God does not instruct, “Above all, make lots and lots of money. Look out for yourself first and foremost. Achieve the highest status. Make personal pleasure your greatest goal.” Nope. According to God, love really, really matters. That makes a lot of sense as we think about how in 1 John 4:16 we're told, “God is love, and all who live in love live in God." He knows that a life lived loving as He loves is a life well lived. God knows that a life lived loving others is a life that matters. God knows that a life lived loving others is imitating Him. For to love like God means being gracious, merciful, patient, quick to forgive, willing to overlook offenses. Wayne Grudem put it well when he said, “Where love abounds in a fellowship of Christians, many small offences, and even some large ones, are readily overlooked and forgotten. But where love is lacking, every word is viewed with suspicion, every action is liable to misunderstanding, and conflicts abound—to Satan’s perverse delight.”
It is paramount that we be reminded again and again to lean into love. 1 Corinthians 13 defines real love for us and emphasizes its significance. We won’t ever regret being patient with those around us. It’s never a misstep or a waste of time to be kind to another. Building up your wife, husband, child, friend, or stranger makes a difference. Always! To love like Jesus makes an eternal impact. The bottom line is, God instructs us, “Most important of all…” we are to love as He loves us. The One who so loved the world (John 3:16) tells us to follow His lead. I’m in! You?
Cheer up, friends!
-Scott