I Peter 4:8 has continued to stay in my mind, so I have decided to study it more deeply. I Peter is in many ways instructions to the reader on how to live a Godly life. There are many instructions on being Holy, having hope, the relationships between husbands and wifes, etc. In my Bible, the heading for chapter 4 is "Living for God". In chapter 4:7, he says "The end of things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled sot hat you can pray." He follows that with vs 8, then goes on to talk about helping others, offering hospitality and to do everything to God's glory. Verse 8 actually has two parts. The first part says "Above all, love each other deeply". The first two words tell us just how important this is to God. "Above all" would indicate that we are to do this above all things. God shows us this repeatedly in His word. In Colossians 3:12-14 it says "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. In I Corinthians 13 it is said that faith, hope and love remain, but the greatest of these is love.
It is clear in God's word that we are to love each other. I would suppose that there are more references to this than to any other in scripture. I think too often, though, we believe that this means that we are to love those we like, those we come in contact with - our families, church members, friends, etc. However, in I Peter 4:8, it says "love each other deeply". Who is "each other"? Everyone. How are we to love? "deeply". The KJ versions says "fervently" which in the Greek means "without ceasing". It means no matter what. The kind of love that is referred to in this passage is "agape" love which is the kind of love God has for us. This is the kind of love that God had for us when He sent His one and only son to die for us. We are to strive to love everyone with this same type of affection. We could go on and on into a deeper discussion of love, for that is difficult enough. But the rest of this message is "for love covers over a multitude of sins". This means that if you have the kind of love that God commands us to have for one another, that we will "keep no record of wrongs", or "will hardly even notice when others do us wrong." It means that we will forgive, just as God forgive us - this is referenced in the above scripture from Collosians. Romans 5:8 says "God demonstrates His love for us in this. While we were still sinners, He died for us." He knew we were sinners, and sent His own son anyway! My, what a mighty God we serve? Can we have this kind of love one for another? Can we actually forgive in this way? Can a multitude of sins actually be covered over? Only with Love, and only with Love through God.
About Us
- Joey and KC Grist
- KC and Joey Grist share their message of hope for hurting families through the use of sound Biblical principles that restored their marriage after addiction, financial ruin and divorce tore it apart. Together, this couple speaks to individuals and couples alike, sharing their story of faith and recovery. Their ministry is teaching others a better way to live a life of hope and of happiness through a day-to-day relationship with Jesus Christ. The Grists live in Tupelo, Mississippi where they are raising two sons, JT (5) and Jimmie (3). They are active members of Lee Acres Church.
About Hope Recovery Center
Hope Recovery Center is a vision for a continuum of care for hurting families dealing with the bondages of addiction. This vision includes working specifically with adult men who desire to find a better way to live their lives, and a way to heal the hurts that have damaged their family.This includes a multi-phase plan:Phase I - Speaking and counseling ministry. Joey and KC are available to speak at churches, conferences, retreats and other groups. Funds raised through this ministry will be used to begin the subsequent phases of the ministry.Phase II - Non-residential treatment program for addicts and their families. This phase would include, but not be limited to, Christian 12-step studies; Career assessment; Job training; Resume writing and Interview skills; Biblical stress management; Time management, etc.During this phase, an attempt will be made to partner with existing organizations to provide housing, healthcare, clothing, transportation, meals and job assistance to those who need it.Phase III - Male Residential Treatment Center. Phase III includes all of the above, but instead of out-sourcing, we will provide a long-term residential treatment program. The program will be supported by some type of business or businesses, which will be operated by program participants.Phase IV - The full Continuum of Care.Stabilization - for those who enter the program intoxicated and/or under the influence of drugsSTEP (Structured Transitional Evaluation Period) 2-4 weeksSTAR (Spiritual Training and Recovery) 6-12 monthsTransitional Housing for those re-entering society
