This devotional was written by Janet Mortinsen. She serves Bethany Lutheran Church as the Director of Pastoral Care.
“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love
covers a multitude of sins.” –1 Peter 4:8
My daughter, Abby, shared this verse with me as it spoke to
her. It certainly resonates with me as well. When I first heard the verse, I
had a flashback to a memory of my oldest son, Matt. I was getting ready for an
event and my husband was unable to get home to help watch the boys (Matt was
three; Peter was 6 months old). I was in a hurry and a little frazzled…you get
the picture. Matt walked into the bathroom as I dried my hair with his play
tool belt on, plastic hammer in hand and said, “I’m helping Mommy.” I just
nodded my head and continued getting ready. Suddenly it dawned on me…helping
how? He had taken a hard, plastic comb and hammered on our banisters up and
down our stairway. It’s amazing what damage a plastic comb and hammer can do.
My first instinct was to yell. I took the “tools” away and called my father who
calmed me and reminded me of Matt’s intention – to help.
We often fall short despite our intentions. We are not
perfect, no matter how hard we try. We can show love for each other with
forgiveness and by encouraging each other in the face of failure. By
surrounding others with love, we can demonstrate the type of love we receive
from our Father. Yes, love is the best choice.
“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
It would be great if the second part of the verse meant that
we can do whatever we want as long as we are loving. I don’t think that’s what
the intention was as we all know it does matter what we do. We don’t “earn”
God’s love, but we have been commanded to love each other. If we embrace God’s
love and commit to be loving, we can demonstrate our love as a Christian.
During times of great stress and anxiety, tension can cause difficult behavior.
It’s at times like this that people need more love, not less.
By the way, we still have the banisters in our house with
the plastic comb marks. We embraced the “distressed look” Matt helped us
achieve.
