Love Covers a Multitude of Sins

I have often pondered exactly what 1 Peter 4:8 means, when it claims, “Love covers a multitude in sins.” It almost sounds like enabling. As if when we love someone we’ll ignore their sins or excuse them away. But I know that can’t be what it is saying. To ignore someones sins may keep the peace in the present, but it is certainly not in the best interest of the person in question over the long haul. And God, who “is Love” has not overlooked or excused our sins away. Nor did he leave us to wallow in them.

As I was reading this verse last week end, suddenly it was as if God’s light shown through illuminating my thinking. Jesus’ blood is the only effective and complete covering of sins. His death, His sacrifice is what wipes the slate clean and does away with my sin. God’s love for us is demonstrated in this most magnificent gift. And His love is demonstrated through us when we, in turn, accept that payment on behalf of others who have wronged us. In other words, when we love someone with Christ love, we will not hold them accountable to us for sins committed against us. Instead, we will accept the covering of Christ’s blood for those sins. We will not demand payment or retribution. Rather we will acknowledge that Jesus’ payment is sufficient.

This hits home for me, because I have to honestly and regretfully admit that sometimes I feel a little resentful at having to live with the consequences of Joel’s past sinful choices. When I allow that resentment to grow, I begin to think that he ought to “make it up” to me somehow. I feel as if I deserve a little something, recognition at the very least. But God’s reminder through this verse is that Jesus gets all the recognition, because His is the sacrifice that atones for Joel’s sin. My acceptance of that sacrifice will result in freedom to love Joel and not demand retribution.


3 Responses to "Love Covers a Multitude of Sins"

  • Tabitha, a very brave and honest admission that is a good reminder that God is no respecter of persons, nor are there degrees of sin. Although we may suffer different depths of the consequences of our sin(s),praise God that the blood of Christ is sufficient to cover them all, those done “to” us and those done “by” us.

    1 Linda Cate said this (March 22, 2013 at 2:23 am) Reply


  • Thank you for sharing.

    2 Linda Cate said this (March 22, 2013 at 2:23 am) Reply


    • God is so faithful to remind us that He took the total impact of all our sins. We are never the ultimate “sufferer” even for our own evil acts.

      3 joyinthemourning said this (March 22, 2013 at 2:04 pm) Reply


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