‘Love Covers A Multitude Of Sins’

 

Toni M. Babcock

“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8b CSB)

Covering a multitude of sins is not equivalent to excusing a multitude of sins by ‘covering up’ for chronic physical, mental, or emotional abuse. 

No, Peter is not advocating coddling chronic or criminal abusers. However, what he does advocate for is allowing the love of Christ to direct our responses to common everyday offenses, lest we point the crooked finger of judgment too quickly at another. 

The fact is, we’re all sinners, and each of us is a little crooked in judgment were it not for Christ illuminating our minds to the truth.

 
Let’s face it. It’s much easier to cover our own sins than to cover the sins of somebody else. 

This is particularly true when it involves someone we feel justifiably outraged with. 

They’ve hurt us profoundly. 

Now they’ve brought something to our attention where we’ve failed—and we bristle. 

We don’t want to be reminded of our shortcomings, and take great offense at any clueless critic who has the audacity to suggest we make improvements in our mode of handling life, when they’ve failed so miserably in their own conduct in the past.

 
While it’s true we might have a valid case for our sizzling ire, how we handle unsolicited critiques must come under the authority of God’s Word, or more likely than not it won’t go well for us in the long run.

 
Here are some basic biblical principles to prevent ‘lashing out’ and paying an unintended price for yourself or your family going forward: 

Remember, wisdom is ‘for you and not against you’— so seek it with an undivided heart, (Proverbs 16:16 CSB) (James 1:5-8 CSB). 

Forsake all bitterness and wrath and embrace kindness and compassion, (Ephesians 4:30-32 CSB). 

Though physical reconciliation might not be possible in every single circumstance, love and forgiveness in Jesus’ name always is.

 
Toni is author of Reflections from the Heart in Light of the Gospel of Jesus, and The Stone Writer, Christian Fiction for Young Readers and Teens. Contact