Earnest isn’t a word we use much anymore. But it is a great word. So what does it mean to be earnest? Earnest is characterized by an intense and serious state of mind. It is grave and important. It means to have a considerable or impressive amount or degree.
So, Peter tells us we should love each other earnestly. He is telling us we should not love each other casually or flippantly. Our love for each other should be serious; we should not take it lightly. Why? Using a Proverb, Peter remains that this kind of love well it covers a multitude of wrongs.
If we love each other earnestly, then we are far more likely to be willing and ready to forgive. Since we know that no one is perfect, it is important for us to forgive others. We don’t let mistakes prevent us from loving others. We do not take the command of God to love others flippantly. Instead, we take are love for others seriously because it is an extension of God’s love for us and for them.
When we love earnestly, we are always looking to forgive, empathsize, help, console, rejoice with, and support others. We take our love seriously because we know true godly love is the only way we are going to be able to help others and forgive others.
We live in a broken world and we are all flawed people. But those that love earnestly will be able to push through all that darkness and keep loving. And in doing so will help others make through way through the darkness and into God’s light.
So, how does Godly love love? It loves earnestly. Why? Because true love covers a multitude of wrongs and helps us to continue to WANT to help others. #LoveActs
Adonai's Appeal 