1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
We conclude this month with a reminder that everything we do should be done in love. This verse may not say specifically to forgive one another, but forgiveness is an act of love and we are told that above all we are to love each other deeply.
Our primary focus towards others should be love. Everything we do should be based on loving others. This is one of His commands for us. We are to love the Lord with all our hearts and to love one another as He loves us. Love is the driving force behind forgiving one another. It allows us to heal and restore relationships with others.
“Love covers a multitude of sins” does not mean they are ignored or excuses wrongdoing. Rather it implies that we are willing to overlook the offenses and extend forgiveness. Love helps to restore and repair broken relationships, to heal past hurts, and to build stronger communities with others. It also leads to stronger tolerance or patience towards imperfections in others which enables us to reduce conflicts.
We know from all of the devotions this month that we are forgiven and therefore should forgive others. Doing so is a beautiful demonstration of love. If God did not love us He never would have forgiven us. But He loves us so much He provided the ultimate sacrifice for our forgiveness – the death of His Son on the cross. Be glad we are not called to die for others. We are just called to love them, which means forgiving them for wrongs done against you.
With that, our month of forgiveness draws to an end. Hopefully you have been able to forgive others this month and have found forgiveness yourself. If not, today is the day to ask for forgiveness from God or those you have sinned against. It is also time to let go and extend forgiveness to others. Find freedom in forgiveness today.
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