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Answer
The Bible contains numerous verses about love, such as 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” The directive to prioritize love is first seen in 1 Peter 1:22 and is reiterated in the fourth chapter. Peter’s use of the phrase “above all” emphasizes the significance of this instruction. Additionally, the Greek term translated as “deeply” is also used to depict the effort exerted by an athlete striving to win a race. We are called to exert every effort to demonstrate this kind of love for one another.
By placing Peter’s exhortation to “love each other deeply” alongside other passages of Scripture (such as 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Matthew 22:37-39; 1 John 4:7-8; Romans 13:10), it becomes evident that love should be the top priority for believers.
Unfortunately, Christians have not always been good examples of love. The early church grappled with believers exhibiting unloving behavior, a struggle that continues today. On one hand, we can recognize that we still have sinful natures that make it challenging to love others as Scripture commands. On the other hand, we are also new creations with the Holy Spirit residing within us «Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. », (2 Corinthians 5:17). With the Spirit’s empowerment, we have no excuse. John takes it further by linking knowledge of God with love «He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. », (1 John 4:8). So, how can we deeply love one another? Here are some guidelines from Scripture:
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1. Accept God’s love. The apostle John described love as originating from God: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” «Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. », (1 John 4:10). God is the Source of all that is good, including love. Humans can only demonstrate self-sacrificial love by accepting the love God showed humanity when He sent His Son as an atonement «For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. », (John 3:16). From a psychological perspective, children born in a loving environment tend to thrive in life (www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/parental-love, accessed 7/19/23). How much more those who have received love from the Father? When we accept God’s love, we respond by loving Him in return, and that lays the foundation for loving people rightly. It also opens the way for the Spirit to produce His fruit in us.
2. Walk in the Spirit. After emphasizing the freedom we have in Christ, Paul instructs us not to misuse this freedom for selfish desires, but to serve one another in love «For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. », (Galatians 5:13). However, Paul recognizes the struggle every Christian faces as the Spirit and the flesh have conflicting desires (verse 17). The solution to this struggle is to walk in the Spirit, adopting a daily lifestyle of yielding to the godly influence of the Holy Spirit, who leads us to perform deeds that glorify God. As we walk in the Spirit, the fruit of “l”Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” are produced in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). By walking in the Spirit and bearing His fruit, we can use our freedom to serve each other in love.
3. Forgive faults. In our focal verse, Peter states that “love covers over a multitude of sins” cf: Proverbs 10:12. We should acknowledge the imperfections of others, forgiving hurts, and overlooking faults. Loving others deeply does not mean avoiding the truth, but it entails having a kind attitude and being willing to show grace and mercy. It’s part of doing to others as we would have them do to us «And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. », (Luke 6:31).
4. Honor others. While modern culture encourages us to put ourselves first, God calls us to “honor others above ourselves” «Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; », (Romans 12:10). To honor is to show value and respect to someone, treating him or her as significant and valuable. It is a great expression of genuine love.
5. Set love as the highest goal. In our daily lives, love should be a fundamental quality in our relationships with others. Jesus identifies love as the distinguishing characteristic of His disciples, both then and now (John 13:34-35). Let us prioritize true, biblical, sacrificial love, even in the face of our faults, disagreements, and differences. Christians are part of a large family, and we should behave as proper brothers and sisters.
