8. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  9. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Many sermons have been preached on love.  The emphasis of Peter is deep love. Be deeply and seriously committed to the Lord and to one another for it has many benefits as well as it models for us Jesus Christ.   

Jim Baker, A well-known TV Christian personality was a handsome man and had a glamorous wife, Tammy Faye. They not only had good looks, but were popular, wealthy and have been coveted by countless Americans. However, he experienced great heartache because his wife had fallen for another man. He said, "I will always be her friend. I telephone her now and then to find out how she's doing. We end every call by saying 'I love you.'".     

On the surface, that might look like a mature response in a difficult situation, but it is an example of the kind of love that lacks the most essential elements: faithfulness and commitment and above all honesty before the Lord. He was imprisoned for fraud.

Many Christians try to maintain that kind of relationship with the Lord, but God does not value expressions of love that only sound good. Jesus said to His disciples if they loved Him, they must keep His commandments.   

When a mother holds a little child in her arms there is an important question that needs to be asked. "What is my part and what is God's part in raising this child?" Unless the Lord works, all a mother’s efforts are in vain. Do you really want God to do something in their lives? Then pray, obey, and trust the Lord. By your example you show your children the importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Have you offered your children to Him and pray regularly for them?   

As parents our part is to nurture children by meeting more than just their physical needs of food, shelter and clothing. We can demonstrate a deep love. This verse is applicable for good parenting advice, but don't forget it is also written for all Christian’s actions toward one another. We love, encourage, build up one another like with our children with words, acceptance, listening and making them feel you really do care because you do. Even if you make all kinds of mistakes they can be overlooked, if you really have the person’s best interest in mind. Isn't that a relief? You will make mistakes. You will commit sins as parents, but a deep love will overshadow those sins and mistakes.           

Forgiveness is related to love. Real love forgives and forgives again.  It is true that love covers over a multitude of sins on both sides. God's love allows me to come to Him asking for forgiveness. It was the love of Christ that allowed Him to die for my sins and therein am I forgiven as I respond to His love. The gift, the giver, and the receiver are all part of the love equation.           

Application:  How might you be an example of love today?

Prayer:   Lord, You are the giver of life and all good things.  Teach me to love as You love!