Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 NASB

The Christmas season presents opportunities to be with large groups of people. For the most part, this is a blessing. However, there may be individuals in any group we would rather avoid.

Peter refers to believers in the verse above. And, in verses nine and ten, he encourages us to be hospitable to one another without complaining and to serve one another.

If the Lord promised that loving others covers a multitude of sins, then this verse presents a challenge. Perhaps knowing those people better would help us find something to love about them. If Christ looks beyond our faults, then we are to look past others’ faults. Therefore, let’s be thankful to those who love us despite our differences and ask the Lord to make us increase and abound in loving others (1 Thes 3:12).

On a recent outing with the Bluebonnet Miata Club ladies, our granddaughter, Molly, was asked if she liked her brother. She replied, “I don’t always like him, but I love him.”

What a great lesson from a ten-year-old. We may not like everything others do, but we are called to love them.

Dear Lord, thank You for the promise that love covers a multitude of sins and help us to reflect Your love to those we are uncomfortable with during this season and throughout the year.

written by Betty Hicks