In First Peter 4:8, AMP, the Bible says Love covers a multitude of sins. Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others]. As this thought came to my mind, I began to ponder about how we choose to handle an offense bestowed upon us at the hands of others. This verse instructs us to love one another deeply. But you may be wondering what does this means? Well, to put it simply, it means to forgive the sin afflicted on you. Here are 3 Key Principles to apply to exemplify how love covers a multitude of sins.
Follow Jesus’ Example Jesus is our greatest example. And Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing His clothes among themselves (Luke 23:34). While Jesus endured the most horrific ordeal of His life, He portrayed the bravest and the humblest nature of love and forgiveness ever recorded in history. (1). He used His power and authority to render grace and mercy rather than get even. It is the true essence of love that covers a multitude of sins.
Love Keeps No Record of Wrong
Relationships are an intricate part of our life. But as we build relationships with others, we become subject to being hurt. It may be intentional or unintentional. Nevertheless, relationships make us vulnerable. As trust builds up, we open up sharing our desires, dreams, and aspirations. And one thing life does guarantee us is that we will be hurt and more likely by someone we trusted. (2). However, the Bible teaches us to allow love to penetrate our hearts and choose to forgive. Now, it does not mean you have to continue to allow someone to mistreat you. You forgive and move on. But you do not use it as a means to continue to talk about every chance you get. It is obvious, you have not forgiven. Every time you bring it up, you keep a record of it.
It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. (1 Corinthians 13:5).
It is OK to vent. But if you are using venting as a means to get even, affix blame, going tic for tac, use an opportunity to make your offender pay, then love is not being applied. Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers and overwhelms all transgressions [forgiving and overlooking another’s faults]. (Proverbs 10:12). If you have forgiven someone, you won’t continue lingering on what someone did in the past.
Love Looks Out for Your Well-being
You do not pretend that things did not happen. Some things need to come to the surface for justice to be done and in hopes of healing. If somebody is abusing you -you should not cover it and treat it as a minor offense. You reveal it to get help to prevent further occurrences. And for those petty annoyances, refuse to make a mountain out of a molehill, forgive and let it go.
So, to overcome an offense, we must choose to practice the essence of love and forgiveness by forgiving as often as possible. Again, the Bible reveals the perfect examples of this. "Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered him, “I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21-22). It leaves no room for justification or rationalizing your choice to seek vengeance. Love covers a tremendous number of sins and in the process, when we apply it to any offense and forgive, we will be set free and live a life of peace, tranquility, and joy.
I pray the song Reckless Love by Cory Asbury stirs your heart and faith in God.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
Someone may be in a situation that brings physical, emotional, and mental anguish and harm to their life or family. Why is it necessary to help them realize this is not a secret they should keep?
What role does forgiveness play in being healed and set free when an offense which causes you some form of pain that affects your peace of mind and tranquility?
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