See on James 5:20. Peter here quotes from Prov. 10:12. Where charity is lacking there is a tendency to magnify the faults and failings of others. Where love reigns, men are willing to forgive and forget. Furthermore, a manifest spirit of brotherly love is certain to attract the attention of the unconverted and to lead many of them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Charity.
Gr. agapē, “love” (see on Matt. 5:43; 1 Cor.13:1). Love knows no limits, never fails. It binds, in Christian fellowship, men of differing background and opinion. There is no church problem that cannot be resolved in the atmosphere of intelligent, selfless love.
Fervent.
Literally, “fully extended.”
Have.
Literally, “continue to have [as you are now having.]”
Above all things.
The supreme test of Christianity is its effect on our relations with one another.