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Love Covers A Multitude of Sins

1 Peter 4:8 . Love Covers A Multitude of Sins. 1 Peter 4:8. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (KJV) Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. (NASB95). Charity/Love.

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Love Covers A Multitude of Sins

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  1. 1 Peter 4:8 Love Covers A Multitude of Sins

  2. 1 Peter 4:8 • And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (KJV) • Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. (NASB95)

  3. Charity/Love • In this context, Peter speaks of agape – the highest form and expression of love. • Agape love seeks the highest good of another person (Rom. 13:8-10; 1 John 4:9-10).

  4. Love Must Be Fervent • The Greek word translated “fervent” means “stretched, figuratively, zealous, earnest.” • It comes from a root which means “to stretch” or “to extend” (Matt. 12:13; Acts 26:1). • Love of the brethren should increase and abound more and more (1 Thess. 3:12-13; 4:9-10; 2 Thess. 1:3-4).

  5. Love Covers a Multitude of Sins • Solomon expressed a similar idea in saying, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions” (Prov. 10:12). • Again the wise man said, “He who conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends” (Prov. 17:9).

  6. How So? • First of all, love helps us maintain the right attitude ourselves, cultivating patience, kindness and understanding (Eph. 4:31-32; Col. 3:12-13). • Secondly, it puts the best possible interpretation on the actions of another; causing us to expect the best rather than the worst (1 Cor. 13:4-7).

  7. However… • While love suffers long, it is not spineless, feeble or blind. • Sin is serious business – severing our relationship with God (Josh. 7:11-12; Isa. 59:1-2). • Therefore, it must be confronted and corrected (Prov. 28:13; 1 John 1:5-9).

  8. Love Requires Repentance • A change of heart/life is essential; fruit-bearing is the key (Matt. 3:5-10; Acts 26:19-20). • There is no limit to forgiveness, provided that genuine repentance is forthcoming (Matt. 18:21-22; Luke 17:3-4).

  9. The Severity of Biblical Love • Biblical love is both considerate and corrective (2 Tim. 2:24-26). • Faithful are the wounds of a friend, especially a friend who is committed to truth (Prov. 27:5-6). • Therefore, let us not refuse such expressions of concern (Ps. 141:4-5).

  10. Nathan and David • In saying “Thou art the man!” Nathan demonstrated much more love for David than did Joab, who by acquiescing to David’s plot became a co-conspirator in crime (2 Sam. 12:7-12). • David needed, not a servile, self-serving sycophant, but a companion who would speak the truth with clarity and conviction (Ps. 32:3-5; 51:1-4, 10-13).

  11. Nehemiah and the Israelites • By demanding various spiritual reforms, Nehemiah sought the highest good of Israel (cf. Neh. 13). • On the surface, he seemed hard, harsh and heartless. However, Nehemiah had a high regard for what was right. • Repeatedly he cried, “Remember me, O my God, for good” (Neh. 5:19; 13:14, 22, 31). • As a result, he saved the remnant from apostasy. Israel owed him an eternal debt of gratitude.

  12. Paul and Peter • In a similar manner, Paul proved a true supporter when he rebuked Peter for hypocrisy and prejudice (Gal. 2:11-14). • Peter recognized the sincerity of Paul’s actions – later referring to him as “our beloved brother Paul” (2 Pet. 3:14-18).

  13. Conclusion • Divine discipline is for our good that we might share in God’s holiness (Heb. 12:5-11). • The strongest rebuke, when justly deserved, is an expression of love (Rev. 3:15-19).

  14. Conclusion • Therefore, let us recognize that church discipline is restorative in nature (Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:1-5; 1 Tim. 1:18-20). • When properly administered, it demonstrates fraternal love (2 Thess. 3:14-15). • The one who turns a sinner back from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20).

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