Love covers a multitude of sins

"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses" (Prov. 10:12).

Repeatedly the bible exhorts believers to love one another. In fact Jesus said that in order for the world to know that believers are genuine followers of Jesus their love for one another most be visibly evident (John 13:35). And this love for one another must abound in spite of the flaws, faults and failures that exist in every believer and church. Peter wrote, "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Pet. 4:8).

There are believers today that are hopping around from one church to another because they're so easily offended by the faults and flaws of others. But the church that impacts the world for Christ is always a church where love for one another abounds not only in spite of but especially when we fail and offend one another. How we relate to eachother with all are flaws and how we respond to eachother when there is an offense between brethren is the greatest test of genuine, and compelling love. Jesus said, "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?"

Concerning 1 Peter 4:8 John Piper writes, "Peter is saying that bona fide, authentic love and fellowship is based, in part, on the covering of many sins. This is not sweeping things under the rug. It's not endorsing keeping skeletons in the closet. It's not renouncing church discipline. It's saying at least this -- probably more: When we've done all the confrontation -- when we've done all the argumentation and exhortation -- we cover it. Whatever side we are on we cover it; we give it up; we bury it as a cause of murmuring." True love covers because love is patient, and longsuffering, because it seeks to resolve conflicts not stirred them up. Love covers because love forgives and moves on. Love others like Jesus loves you.