"Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God." 1 Peter 4:8-10

This time of year is often meant to be a season of joy and togetherness, but ironically it can become a season of stress and strain. In the busyness of preparations, anticipation of family gatherings, and the quest for that perfect Hallmark moment, we can often find ourselves wrestling with feelings of frustration and discord. Labeled as “the most wonderful time of the year”, it’s also the time when stress, anxiety, and depression are heightened. Relational challenges abound… and they’re not limited to this time on the calendar.

Just like how the weight of a heavy truck can reveal the cracks in a bridge, challenging times tend to reveal what’s deep within us. It’s our most difficult moments that show us what’s on the inside, and it’s in these moments of revelation that gift us an opportunity for continued growth and maturity in Christ.

Our passage today comes from encouragement that Peter is giving the Church. He was someone who was personally aware of how difficult times can show us where we are truly at. He was someone who thought he was a committed follower, only to find himself denying Jesus when things got hard. Because of this, he was also someone who knew personally, the restorative power of receiving and leaning into Jesus’ love.

Knowing the difficulties Christians would experience as the “end of all things is near” (vs. 7) and knowing the powerful witness of relational peace within the Church, Peter offers an incredible reminder and encouragement for followers of Jesus. Above all, above any personal preference or even problems, above all maintain constant love for one another. This “constant love” isn’t something that just happens, but needs to be an intentional posture of our hearts. It’s something we’re committed to - dedicated to - because, as he continues, love covers a multitude of sins.

Followers of Jesus realize that this love isn’t something that we produce on our own, but this sin-covering love first flows from Jesus himself.

It’s important to realize how love doesn’t ignore or condone sin, but does influence how we address it. When things get hard, especially in challenging times, our love for one another is a witness to the work of God in us. This purposefully love is expressed in not letting the sin of enough inhibit our love for them. We’re told to offer welcoming hospitality to another - without grumbling. This isn’t about just welcoming guests into our homes - it extends to welcoming others into our lives. It includes creating spaces - physically, emotionally, and spiritually - where others feel valued and loved. It’s an outward demonstration of an inward transformation.

We’re also reminded to not withhold ourselves - especially our gifts. Each one of us has been equipped with unique talents and abilities. These have not been given to us for our benefit, but have been given by God to serve and uplift others. When we use our gifts in this way, we embody the sin-covering love Peter points us to.

In the middle of life’s challenges, in every season, may we embrace the fullness of God’s love for us and what it means to be followers of Jesus. May our deep, unwavering love for one another be a witness to God’s work in our lives.

Written by Pastor Josh Alves