1 Peter 4:8 KJV
[8] “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
Peter reminds us that charity should be at the top of every Christian’s list. If we are going to be remembered for anything, it should be for displaying the love of Christ. May the Lord help us to show charity to those who need it the most. It is easy to love those who love us back, but what about those who do us wrong? True charity does not pick and choose, but it is unconditional. Charity is not based on how others treat us but the way we treat others.
Charity is revealed when we show it to those who do not deserve it. I say this realizing that none of us deserve to be loved by God or anyone else. Peter had in mind that charity covers the wrongdoing of others. When people mistreat us and repent, then we must forgive them. We must show them the same love and mercy that God shows to us.
Charity only comes by having a close walk with God. It is easier to show love to others when you are in fellowship with the Lord. In reality, it is His love working in us and through us. Too many of God’s children live their lives murmuring and complaining about the shortcomings of others. They complain about family members, church members, and people in other places where they do business. The problem is not the shortcomings of everyone around them but the foul spirit they have allowed themselves to develop. They cannot see their own sinful ways. They do not realize how miserable they have become, and yet they say they love God. I am not saying that these people are not saved or do not want to serve God, but they have become backslidden. They need a reality check regarding their walk with God. They may read their Bible daily, but it is just a formality. They may sing in the choir, teach a Sunday School class, pastor a church, or serve on the mission field, but they are not doing it with fervent charity.
When the fruit of the Spirit is active in our lives, it allows us to love what we do and remember why we do it. It also causes us to have a positive outlook on life and to be long-suffering toward others. It develops a forgiving spirit within us, and we are pleasant to be around. I’m careful to love but avoid those who always want to gripe and complain. You may wonder if I’m afraid they will figure out why I am avoiding them. Maybe they will figure it out and begin examining themselves instead of others. At that point, I’m more afraid of their negative spirit rubbing off on me than I am of their feelings. God help us to show fervent charity to each other because we all need it!