Peter exhorts Christians to put a lot of effort into showing love for one another twice. The Greek term ektene, which means "fervently," describes the muscles of an athlete putting in extra effort to win a race. According to Peter, Christians ought to put this "above all." A disciple of Christ must show people Jesus' love as their top priority. This is always a must, but it becomes even more important during trying times.

As stated in the verses preceding today’s theme verse, loving one another is also a suitable reaction to the knowledge that everything is about to end. As believers, we ought to strengthen our bonds with one another because we realize that the Day of the Lord could arrive at any moment. 

Christians aren't perfect yet. We are not flawless. Even if we have chosen to live a life free from sin, we occasionally nonetheless disobey. Even when we mean good, we sometimes fall short. To show each other love is to put aside our past wrongs, forgive one another, and pick each other up when we stumble. Sin and bitterness can not spread in a community that values Christlike love.

Querido Padre Celestial,

I confess that I don't know how to love people deeply enough to cover a multitude of sins, but I thank You for those in my life who do. Help me learn from them and from Jesus how to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God. Help me to be less selfish and to consider the needs of others as more important than my own. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

One application of today’s verse is to let love “offense-proof” us from petty insults, perceived slights, and other attempts by Satan to divert us from our calling to love the Lord our God, with all of our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This will require awareness of and self-control over our first reactions in the moment – then prayer to extend grace as we have also received grace.