An Above All

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The NKJV uses the word "love" instead of "charity" and in my research I have found that "love" is not adequate in this verse; "charity" is so much more!

"Charity" by our definition falls short of its true meaning!

The "KJV Dictionary" 

gives several definitions:

  1. In a general sense, love, benevolence, good will; that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men and to do them good. In a theological sense, it includes supreme love to God, and universal good will to men.

  2. In a more particular sense, love, kindness, affection, tenderness, springing from natural relations; as the charities of father, son and brother.

  3. Liberality to the poor, consisting in almsgiving or benefactions, or in gratuitous services to relieve them in distress.

  4. Alms; whatever is bestowed gratuitously on the poor for their relief.

  5. Liberality in gifts and services to promote public objects of utility, as to found and support bible societies, missionary societies, and others.

  6. Candor; liberality in judging of men and their actions; a disposition which inclines men to think and judge favorably, and to put the best construction on words and actions which the case will admit. The highest exercise of charity,

As you can see, "charity" is more than a gift or donation. 

"charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

So what does this mean for a Christian?   It means being Jesus to a lost and dying world!

I have a friend, who every time someone mentions something negative about someone, he always comes to their defense! I've for many years noticed, he always finds the good, in everyone! I now grasp, He refuses to be sucked into the enemy's accusations against a person; choosing instead to speak a blessing over them. He depicts charity.  He looks at them through Jesus, like God does us! 

Looking at my own life; God knew from the beginning of my life the steps I would take; how I would fail Him, year after year; yet He made provision for me to be reconciled to Him, through His Son's perfect sacrifice; upon my repentance of my sins. Looking at my own life as an example; there is no one who is unredeemable by the power of God! 

Choosing charity above judging an individual does not condone their sin; it gives grace; it gives mercy; it gives an opportunity for a miracle! 

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Anyone looking at me, would have judged me as hopeless. But, when God looked at me through The Blood of His Son Jesus, He saw the end result, of which He is still perfecting; for it is His work in me! 

And we are admonished to do the same! 

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” ‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”  Romans‬ ‭4:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Choosing charity over condemnation is choosing life over death. It's like casting a vote for the Power of God over the power of satan. And speaking light (instead of darkness) into a person's life can have "life-changing" effects!

If God can redeem me, He can redeem anyone! 

I love the Charles Spurgeon quote: "If any man thinks ill of you do not be angry with him, for you are worse than he thinks you to be!"

For I know there is no good in me save what God has done and is doing through His saving power.

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

My prayer: Father God, I come to you having nothing I can boast in, but I boast in You; Your mercy; Your grace; Your love! LORD I repent of all of the judgments I've made against my fellow man. I repent of all of the times I've sided with the enemy in my evaluation. You are God and I am not. Father, I choose to obey You and give charity; to speak life and light into those whose lives You are working. No matter what it looks like, I know You are able to give life to the dead and I love You and thank You LORD for doing so in my life!

Even so - MARANATHA!