Personal slights, snide or ignorant remarks, and minor annoyances can be easily forgiven for the sake of love. Some sins against us are not worth confronting. Another way that love covers over a multitude of sins is choosing not to take offense at everything. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. We cover sin by acknowledging it and then extending the forgiveness God has given us to others. We cannot “cover” sin by denying that it hurt us. Love covering sin also does not mean we disregard our own emotions or ignore our personal boundaries. Love protects by helping both the victim and the offender, and it also strives to prevent further offenses. For example, rather than report child abuse, a church might cover it up. Some have appealed to the forgiving nature of love in their attempt to hide indiscretion. Love does not cover over a multitude of sin by sweeping matters under the rug. First Corinthians 13:6 tells us that “love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”Īnother thing love does is protect (1 Corinthians 13:7). James 5:19–20 says, “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” It is loving to speak truth to others regarding sin. Matthew 18:15–17 instructs us on the appropriate way to confront those who sin. Rather than share the offenses of our brothers and sisters in Christ with anyone who will listen, we exercise discretion and restraint. Love also covers over a multitude of sins in that it does not gossip about sin. Love covers sin in that it is willing to forgive. When we love each other, we are willing to forgive each other. First Corinthians 13 tells us that love “keeps no record of wrongs” (verse 5). By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34–35). As I have loved you, so you must love one another. Jesus told His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As believers we reflect the love of God by forgiving others. In 1 Peter 4:8 the apostle is talking about interpersonal relationships. In fact, Jesus did more than just cover our sin He did away with it completely (Hebrews 10:12–14). Jesus’ bearing of our iniquities was an undeniable act of love (Romans 5:8 1 John 4:10). Jesus’ prayer from the cross, “Father, forgive them,” says it all (Luke 23:34). The best example of a love that covers sin is Jesus’ sacrificial death on our behalf. To “cover” sin is to forgive it, and forgiveness is associated with love. First Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Proverbs 10:12 says, “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” In what way does love cover sin?
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