Having Fervent Love

 We use the word "love" in so many ways that it is hard to give just one definition for it. There are many times when we say we love something, but we really mean that we just like it a lot. Other times we use the word to mean that something causes us pleasure. However, when we really use the word "love" correctly, it must be associated with making a decision with our heart that leads to strong emotions. This usually involves our love for another person.

The Bible gives us a command for how we are to love one another, which is very descriptive. (I Peter 4:8) Above all, we are commanded to keep fervent in our love for another, because love covers a multitude of sins. The word "fervent" tells us a lot about the kind of love we are to have for other believers and for all people. Let's consider the significance of keeping fervent in our love.

Fervent literally means to be "hot." It is a very good way to show that we must have a heart felt love for others. It is not a detached kind of love. It means that we have a strong desire to do what is best for the other person and that our love for them causes us to have feelings for them. It is love that can't be neutral or lukewarm.

When we love others in this way, that love covers a multitude of sins. I believe that means we bear with each other and have an understanding heart when others sin against us. After all, no one is perfect, without any sins. However, we are to live in unity with all other believers. Therefore, we must have this fervent love or those sins could keep us apart and destroy the unity of the body of Christ. That is never God's will.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read II Peter 1-3.