“Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].” (I Peter 4: 8, Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)

There are many productive things we can do. We can be diligent in our work, patient, alert, and disciplined. We can use our intelligence, teach others, and be faithful to a high moral standard.

But, this verse reminds us what is of ultimate importance. Above all things, we must have love for one another. We must find within us this deep well of love that must be expressed and which is powerfully healing—both for others and for oneself. We are not asked to merely be nice or to express love sporadically or tepidly. Our love must be strong, heartfelt, persistent, and warm.

This is God’s Love shining in us. This radiant affection is always there for us to express even when we don’t think that it is. The infinite, ever-active Love of God clears away a sense of wrong, of being hurt or misunderstood, and reveals the Truth of all of us as we really are. Divine Love does not judge and condemn. It washes us all clean, strengthens, adjusts, re-aligns, restores, and allows us to focus on what is good and productive in our own lives and with that sweet benefit of seeing others renewed as well!

These messages are based on passages from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy. These books are our “pastor” in Christian Science. Come back every Tuesday and Thursday for fresh inspiration. Or get a free subscription to receive an inspirational message like this one every morning directly to your inbox by contacting me at lamolitercs@aol.com. Put “subscribe” in the subject line. A downloadable compilation of categorized messages is also available by request.