A Life Characterized by Love

Read This: “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8

Think: Over the years I’ve done several home improvement projects. I’m not a real handyman. I wish I could call myself handy, but some days I feel fortunate just to call myself a man. But back on point. Some of my favorite projects I’ve done were with wood. You know the rule with wood, right? Measure twice, cut once. Well, more appropriate for me is this truth: Caulking covers a multitude of sins!

Caulking is a necessary tool of the trade even for the best of craftsmen. Things don’t turn out perfect even when we try our best. We need something to cover the blemishes, cracks, and gaps made from our imperfection.

God tells us in His Word that we need to work hard at loving others. Why? Because we will undoubtedly make mistakes. Along our daily walk, no matter how hard we try, we will find blemishes, cracks, and gaps caused by our actions. Love is the caulking that can cover those sins.

Yes, even though the church has done amazing acts of love over the centuries, we seem to have a fairly negative image in our current world. Some of that should not be surprising as Jesus warns us that we will be persecuted. However, much of our bad rap is brought on by our own errors. While we can argue all day as to how we got here, what we do know from God’s Word is where we need to go. We need to walk the path of love. We seem to have some major holes that desperately need the caulking of love.

Ask: Is my life characterized by love? Am I sensitive to the needs of others? How have I sacrificed my desires for the sake of others? Do I have any enemies or broken relationships that need mending?

Pray: Lord, You have shown me the true way of love by giving up Your Son for me. Such love is beyond my comprehension. Help me to grow in my understanding of how deep and wide your love is. And then help me to follow Your example in the way I live. Amen