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)

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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.

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).

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).

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).