Doubt & Devotion

Faithful love is the most excellent way, sustaining forgiveness and unity among God’s people.

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

Love is the more excellent way, more excellent than faith and hope. It lays at the heart of Christ’s teachings, and its indispensability is emphasized all throughout the New Testament. Once again, we are reminded here of the vital role of love in uniting the body of Christ. This love is more than just feelings, but is an emotional commitment and loyalty to those who belong to the family of God. 

It’s so vital that we are commanded to place it above all, and not just whenever we feel it, but always. As for the quality of this love, it must be intense and constant. The Greek word ektenes doesn’t only mean fervent and without ceasing but also intentional. It’s from the same word where we derive the English word “tension.” Meaning, this love must be given at its maximum potential. Otherwise, it will not produce the outcome expected of it.

And what is the expected outcome of this kind of love extended to our brothers and sisters in Christ? Peter writes that it shall cover a multitude of sins. Love, in general, is able to overlook offenses. How much more love that is done with intentionality and intensity. This is the love that Christ demonstrated on the cross. That his love covered our sins means He has cancelled them. 

God has lovingly paid the high cost of our guilt; therefore, we must also forgive each other’s wrongs. This is not denial or minimising wrong, but the practice of mutual forgiveness within the family of faith. The love that God extends to his followers through Christ provides protection for unity among believers and continues to strengthen bond within the community. Without it, relationships fracture and the witness of the church weakens. However, if love abounds, forgiveness will be the mortar that binds each believer to one another.

Lord, teach us to love with intention, endurance, and grace. May our forgiveness reflect Your love and preserve unity among us.

Eric James Estante

Eric has a deep passion for teaching God’s Word. He holds a degree in Theology from Central Philippine University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. He served as an associate pastor in his local church in Iloilo City for four years. Eric currently volunteers with his wife, Joey, teaching biblical marriage principles at their church in Alabang. They have one son.