1 Peter 4:7-8

For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer.  Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Today is a call to have “fervent love for one another”. 1 Cor. 13 tells us what love is, and it is no small order: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (NIV) Loving others means that we speak the truth in love to one another while at the same time extending the grace and forgiveness that has been extended to us in Christ Jesus for our sins. Love covers a multitude of sins because sin cannot stand in the presence of God, and He is love! Jesus says, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34b)