Deep Love

Isaiah 43-45; 1 Peter 4

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 4:7, 8

The inhabitants of Jerusalem in the generation after Christ’s death and resurrection increasingly became a threat to the Roman Empire. With Jewish rebellions came Roman army campaigns eventually leading to the complete destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. In the years leading up to that fateful end, the population of Jerusalem adopted the “eat, drink…for tomorrow we die” mentality. Peter countered this self-indulgent, fatalistic approach to life with a call to self-control, alertness to temptation and sin, prayer, and above all love for one another. Not just the reciprocal love of good friends, but the costly love of warriors who sometimes wound one another in the spiritual battle. Deep love requires deep repentance and deep humility. Deep love covers a multitude of sins because it’s sourced in the heart of God who sent his Son to die for our sin. When we experience deep love, we can share and extend it to others.

“Lord Jesus, fill me with your deep love again today, for your glory.”