As we continue through 1 Peter, he’s now giving us the exhortations that develop leadership character in our walk with the Lord. In my last post, I talked about the ability to pray effectively. Now Peter moves forward.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Now the apostle talks about something that’s above all. Before you do anything else, you must learn to love. That’s the agape love of God. It’s the non-emotional choice to positively participate in the lives of others.
But more than that, as leaders, we must love deeply. This means that it must be done intently, fervently, and without ceasing. As believers, we must learn to love one another.
This will be the greatest need of the church as we get further into the last days. This means not just showing love by our words. There must be a willingness to participate in each other’s lives.
That’s how the world will know we’re His disciples. Not loving by emotion, but by our actions.
Peter tells us that this is because love covers over a multitude of sins. Sin is missing the mark. You can miss the mark in a lot of things. But if you’re known for your love – it covers a lot of the other areas where YOU miss it.
Along those same lines, Peter tells us…
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
1 Peter 4:9 NIV
This concept of hospitality is important for us as believers. It seems to be a lost art in the body of Christ. He literally says we must be alien lovers. That’s the word the Greeks used for being fond of guests.
The Lord wants us to learn to become hospitable. For too long we viewed the church as “that building.” I see a trend taking place. Because of world events, the church is moving back into homes.
There have been burnings, attacks, and anger. Many times, we’re labeled as “Right-wing extremists”.
Look at the early church. According to Acts 2, believers devoted themselves to teaching and fellowship.
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:46b-47 NIV
Notice how Peter says they met together in their homes – without grumbling.
“I’ll let people in my house, but I won’t be happy about it.”
In actuality, the house owner receives a special blessing. Hospitality is a big way that we can show love to one another.
Question: How well do you show hospitality?
© 2025 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 