Fervent Charity

I love the King James version of 1 Peter 4:8  "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."  What does it mean to have fervent charity? 

According to dictionary.com, fervent means "having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc."  and charity means "generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless"; although the synomyms for charity are more compelling and will help us better understand it: "kindliness, consideration, humanity, benignity, sympathy"

So, once again, the Word of God tells us to have fervent charity above all things, and that this charity will cover the multitude of sins.  Ask yourself now: "do I have fervent charity?"  How often do you think about your brother or sister in need, or are you thinking mostly of yourself?  Beyond that, who is our brother or sister in need?...  isn't it every human being you meet? 

Since we are all sinners (Romans 3:23), we are all "helpless" are we not?  You may not have seen it this way before, but we are all "poor, ill, or helpless" because of our sin.  This sin of ours comes between us and God, and makes it so that we cannot have a right relationship with Him unless we confess, ask forgiveness, and are purified by the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross.  Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 4:16) 

I encourage you to dwell on this truth and consider where your heart is in this matter.  Have fervent charity towards everyone.  This means to accept them for who they are, as sinners.  You are no better than they; and the only thing that saves us Jesus' holy sacrifice on the cross, his death and resurrection.  Instead of looking down on others, being critical, and judging them, let's have fervent charity for them, offering "hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:9)  By doing this, you are an important part of covering a multitude of sins... an important witness of God's grace and his perfect plan of salvation.

Prayer: 
Lord, please help me with this.  Help me to have fervent charity towards others.  It is so easy to judge and look down upon others because they are different than me, or they are from a different place than me, or they live a lifestyle that is different than mine.  Rather than judge them or condemn them... Lord, help me to love them as they are and to pray for the salvation of their souls.  By showing them love and acceptance (loving them, but hating their sin), praying for and with them... I hope, Lord, that your Holy Spirit will be revealed and they can have true knowledge of you and your grace.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen