Pastor Jean

“Constantly echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8; TPT). The Greek word used for “echo” in this verse is actually the same, echo; it can mean to have, hold or possess but The Passion Translation simply uses the word “echo.” In other words, imitate or copy God’s love. A tall order I know! In order to do this, we need to immerse ourselves into this love by fellowshipping with Love Himself and through reading and meditating on the word concerning God’s love. Just like people become evil by spending time with evil people, the same is true with love. Verse 8 tells us why this love is so important and that is because it will cover a multitude of sins. We are also told this in Proverbs 10:12, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins” (NKJV). When we love with God’s agape love, we forgive those that sin against us. How easily we get hurt when people say mean things to us but if we are “echoing” God’s love we will forgive them and move on. Jesus told us in Matt6:14 to forgive others and in Mark 11:25 we learn that forgiveness is necessary if we want our faith to work. Jesus forgave His tormentors who delivered Him up to be crucified; Stephen echoed this love by forgiving those men that were stoning him. Let’s spend time with God so we can be enveloped in His love and be an echo in the darkness.