Good morning. When the apostle Peter wrote his letters to the churches, he believed that the Lord’s return would be soon. He could not imagine the Lord taking much longer, even though he knows that our time and God’s time are not the same: But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9
In Peter’s first letter he said that he believed that the Lord’s return was “near”: Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:7-8
Peter’s concern was that the Lord’s people pay attention. We should be clear minded and alert so that our prayers will be powerful and effective. But there is more, and He puts it to us: “Above all”. This meant that the next thing Peter told us is of supreme importance as we await the return of our Lord who will take us home.
What is this one thing of such great importance? That our love for one another be “deep”. Not a superficial, ordinary kind of love, but a deeper, more enduring, more powerful and effective kind of love. The kind of love that will get us past those times when we fail each other and allow us to endure in harmony until we see the Lord face to face.
Let your love be deep today. May your love be so deep that it allows you to find greater patience as we await the day of the Lord. May your love be so deep that it allows you to forgive and forget when someone fails you. May your love be above all in its depth and power.
Vern