In Case of Emergency – Stay Connected - Tuesday
Today’s Verse
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. (CSB)
There’s a specific passage in the Bible that has always haunted me. In Matthew 24:12, Jesus tells His disciples, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (NIV). If we dig a little deeper into the context of the passage, Jesus explains to His disciples what will happen as the end times draw near. He describes that they will be persecuted and hated, that many false teachers will arise, and lawlessness will increase. Because of all of this taking place, love in the world will begin to disappear.
Why does this passage haunt me? Well, to put it bluntly, I don’t want my love for people to grow cold. God has called us to love Him and love His people; we emphasize this nearly every week here at Southland. This is also why Peter encourages the Church to ‘maintain constant love for one another.’ As the world around us begins to drift into chaos, the Church is called to maintain order, and how we do that is to continue to love one another.
I love how Peter declares that statement too. He is intentionally saying that this should happen above all things. When you become a Christian, not loving people is no longer an option. Peter doesn’t say to do this when you can or to do your best; he deliberately writes that this should happen above all things. With that said, don’t let the world and its cold love tempt you to join it. Above all, love one another!
REFLECTION
The best way to love one another is to serve. Head over to our volunteer page and start the process of serving! Not sure how exactly you want to serve? Fill out the interest form and our staff will reach out to you to help you find the best place to use your gifts and serve with Southland.