Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ 1 Peter

[Neighbors]

What does "Love covers a multitude of sins" actually mean, and which sins should love cover?

[jimwalton]

Peter’s theme has been bearing up righteously under unjust treatment, even punishment and suffering. There are several senses in which "love covers over a multitude of sins":

1. When we suffer unjustly but act righteously, it’s like a light shining in the darkness, pushing the darkness back (Phil. 1.12-13). Our love covers over the darkness (Jn. 1.4).
2. When we love through unjust suffering, it’s like a statement of forgiveness (Lk. 23.34), and sins are "covered."
3. When we forgive rather than seek vengeance, our Father forgives us our sins (Mk. 11.25). Sins are covered.
4. Whoever suffers in the body is done with sin (1 Pet. 4.1) because we now live in love and for the will of God (4.2).