“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” —1 Peter 4:8-9
How’s your relationship with the in-laws? Sorry if that question threw you off this Monday! How you answer can significantly impact the oneness in your marriage. I still remember how tough it was for my grandmother—who raised me—to think anyone was good enough for her only grandson. Who could blame her, right? 🙂 She didn’t care to hide her disapproval during our dating and engagement days.
Tammy, on the other hand, responded with grace and love. I’ll never forget our first weekend back from our honeymoon when my grandparents showed up at our apartment unannounced—right at lunchtime. Tammy had every reason to be caught off guard or feel uncomfortable, but instead, she did the exact opposite of what she probably felt like doing. She welcomed them in, offered to make lunch, and quickly pulled something together. We sat at the table and had a wonderful time together.
As my grandparents were leaving, my grandmother leaned in and whispered to me, “You’ve married an amazing woman.” Tammy had won her over with love and hospitality. It didn’t take much, just a willingness to respond in love—something God calls us all to do.
When we love earnestly and extend kindness even when it’s hard, we reflect the love of Christ. This is exactly what Peter urges believers to do in his letter. If we have put our faith and trust in Jesus, we are set apart from the world. We are no longer held captive by worldly standards of selfishness or resentment. Instead, we are called to live out the love that Christ has shown us—one that forgives, serves, and covers a multitude of sins. It’s this love that brings unity and strengthens relationships, especially in marriage.
