Word@Work 1Pet54 - 1 Peter 4:8
Published: Thu, 07/09/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
WHEN WRONG IS COVERED OVER
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (NIV)
Ps 32:1 and Rom 4:7 both say "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." The expression 'covering' sins recognises that our sins are permanent statements of our rebellion against God. They do not do not evaporate with time, or lose their significance as we do more good things. If we should try to cover up our sins, God sees and knows (cf Prov 28:13a). But if we confess our sins, and abandon our wicked ways, God will have mercy (cf Prov 28:13b and 1 John 1:9).
The Bible tells us that those who trust in the sacrifice of Jesus, have their sins 'paid in full'. Although God cannot forget anything, even our sins; He then chooses not to remember them (cf Heb 10:17) and therefore our sins do not count against us. The record of our debt to God is cancelled and blotted out. As with any debt, when it is paid off, the debt is covered and we are free. So although we remain sinners, we are made holy by the blood of Jesus, saved by His grace.
It is the same way with those who sin against us. Their sin still stands, but we can choose to cover their sin, refuse to bring it to mind and not demand anything from them in compensation - that is love in action. The word 'deeply' refers to the taut muscles of runners who are determined to win. It takes a lot to love sinners like that, but it is the Jesus-way; it certainly cost Him, and it will cost us. Of course, where there is no repentance there can be no reconciliation, but we may trust that our love may lead people to repent and be reconciled with us; as Christ's love has brought us to repentance and back into relationship with Him.
Prayer: Dear Father God. Thank You for Your grace to sinners, that all who admit their sins and trust in Jesus will be set free from the guilt and burden of their wrongdoing. Help me to fully appreciate what it cost You to do this for me; and help me to consider the need to forgive those who sin against me. Give me the strength to love them with an intensity which hides their sins from my sight, and opens the way for their repentance and reconciliation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Ps 32:1 and Rom 4:7 both say "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." The expression 'covering' sins recognises that our sins are permanent statements of our rebellion against God. They do not do not evaporate with time, or lose their significance as we do more good things. If we should try to cover up our sins, God sees and knows (cf Prov 28:13a). But if we confess our sins, and abandon our wicked ways, God will have mercy (cf Prov 28:13b and 1 John 1:9).
The Bible tells us that those who trust in the sacrifice of Jesus, have their sins 'paid in full'. Although God cannot forget anything, even our sins; He then chooses not to remember them (cf Heb 10:17) and therefore our sins do not count against us. The record of our debt to God is cancelled and blotted out. As with any debt, when it is paid off, the debt is covered and we are free. So although we remain sinners, we are made holy by the blood of Jesus, saved by His grace.
It is the same way with those who sin against us. Their sin still stands, but we can choose to cover their sin, refuse to bring it to mind and not demand anything from them in compensation - that is love in action. The word 'deeply' refers to the taut muscles of runners who are determined to win. It takes a lot to love sinners like that, but it is the Jesus-way; it certainly cost Him, and it will cost us. Of course, where there is no repentance there can be no reconciliation, but we may trust that our love may lead people to repent and be reconciled with us; as Christ's love has brought us to repentance and back into relationship with Him.
Prayer: Dear Father God. Thank You for Your grace to sinners, that all who admit their sins and trust in Jesus will be set free from the guilt and burden of their wrongdoing. Help me to fully appreciate what it cost You to do this for me; and help me to consider the need to forgive those who sin against me. Give me the strength to love them with an intensity which hides their sins from my sight, and opens the way for their repentance and reconciliation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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