The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Pe 4:7–8
While reading the verse about how loving deeply can cover a multitude of sins, I was reminded of one of the Teachings of Mother:
“As the sea receives all the dirt and purifies it, we should have a broad and beautiful heart to embrace the faults of our brothers and sisters.” Teaching of Mother No. 9
A heart like the sea is one that embraces even the shortcomings of our brothers and sisters. Such a heart brings about perfect love. The real challenge, however, is this: how can we cover others’ faults? The answer isn’t far away. We simply need to look at others through the eyes of Heavenly Mother, who sees even my own flawed self as beautiful.
The teaching that “love covers over a multitude of sins” and the exhortation to “love each other deeply” can be summed up in a single phrase: “Like Mother.” Following the example of Mother, who has loved me despite my many shortcomings, I too will strive to love my Zion family with a heart as vast as the sea.