Daily Thought for Tuesday 19th May 2026
“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8 (NRSV)
A tiny manifesto
Robin Hill
Springtime is so often a time of electioneering, and the spring of 2026 has certainly proved this to be the case, whether in Scotland or elsewhere in the UK. Some people take their vote so seriously that they invest their tiem in reading the party manifestoes to understand precisely what is being put forward by each, whether for firm implementation of policies from “Day One” onwards, or for quiet binning in time to come.
Although the Bible is so much more than “God’s manifesto”, there are certainly points in Scripture where the reader might feel like they are reading something which comes very close: the kind of passage which seems to be printed specially in day-glo yellow (and bold to boot). The message appears to be directed right at us with an urgency and an impact which should not be ignored.
If you have a Bible to hand, pause at this point and open it up to read these five short verses: 1 Peter 4:7-11. (And if you forget the chapter and verses along the way, just remember Eau de Cologne.)
Done? Very good.
Do you see what I mean? The readers (that means us, by the way) are reminded that we have to take our faith seriously, being disciplined in our outworking of what we hold to in our Christian living. And what is it that matters? What matters, “above all”? That would be love. Or, to be precise:
- being hospitable to others without grumbling about how the marmalade jar never used to be that empty;
- using your God-given gifts to serve those around us, while, presumably, having the attitude of mind to accept others’ service with thankfulness; all rounded off with
- speaking (and what a challenge) “… as one speaking the very words of God”.
The message is simple: in all things it is right to glorify God.
Kindness, service, and truthfulness. A kind of tough, demanding manifesto of the Kingdom, though one that should certainly attract both our attention … and our votes.
Shall we pray?
Above all, may we maintain constant love. Amen.
Robin Hill is minister of Gladsmuir linked with Longniddry, a member of the Presbytery of Lothian and Borders Mission Committee, and founder of the Heart & Soul Swing Band.