The Mind of Christ

 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

-love is what binds us

This chapter of 1 Peter, specifically the opening verse, tells us that Christ has suffered and endured the cross for our sins. He did this being 100% fully human and in his flesh felt every nail, sword, thorn…until his last gasp of breath remained. We are promptly told then to have the same mind of Christ. The mind of Christ is not an easy task so Peter, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, makes it as simple as possible! Love!

I know that you have probably read this verse on a t-shirt or coffee mug, heard it talked about at weddings, or listened to a pastor speak on it Sunday morning. But there is much more that can be discussed than just the words written.

God didn’t wait for us to “be good” “be perfect” “become awesome” We are told that “we love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19) God didn’t wait for us to get to a stage in our lives before He loved us, the fact is He has always loved us…from the beginning (Ps 139) This is the exact opposite of what the world shows love to be. Typically the world shows love as transactional. For example, if you go to work, pick up the kids, make dinner, do my laundry then this MUST be reciprocated and you OWE ME. God does not work this way because His love is perfect and His devotion comes true divine love.

Ok now we get to the verse! In 1 Peter 4:8 it says that “love covers a multitude of sins.” The word multitude is “plethos” in the Greek and literally means “fullness, filled, or accomplished.” This notion of fullness underscores the incredible power and depth of God’s love. Simply, the love of God is enough! It is a profound and transformative force that not only forgives but also heals and restores. We have to look no further than this truth: that God’s love is poured out to us through the work of Jesus, and this is enough to give us eternity with Him. This is not merely a superficial affection; rather, it is a deep, abiding love that seeks our highest good, inviting us into a relationship characterized by grace and mercy. In recognizing and accepting this love, we find freedom from our past and hope for our future, reminding us that regardless of our shortcomings, there is always a path back to Him through His generous love.

So you are asking what do I do with all this love that is richly given to me? We are to give this freely to one another, without demanding anything in return. This wonderful gift of love is something we can show to our spouse, children, friends, and even the stranger at the gas station! It’s essential to remember that love is not just a fleeting emotion; it’s a powerful force that can transform lives. The thing is, because we have been loved so eternally, we now have the strength to love others deeply, nurturing those relationships and creating connections that uplift and inspire. When we embody this love, we also encourage others to share their love, creating a ripple effect in our communities and beyond. In a world that often seems divided and chaotic, offering love can be the key to healing and unity. By sharing our love generously, we contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society, reminding ourselves and others of the inherent goodness in humanity.