‘LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS,’ AN EXEGESIS OF 1 PETER 4:8

Abstract

In the first epistle Peter consoles the persecuted Christian by affirming that present suffering sanctifies Christians for the resurrection with Christ. In this framework, 1 Peter 4:8 serves as the scriptural basis to love each other deeply by not disclosing others’ sins as is inevitable. As if Christ’s love that covered sins could erase stigma, the same way believers should forgive, accept, and reintegrate the offenders. It also involves oneness and authenticity in the believer and the unbeliever to counteract evil and to follow Christ’s transformative transforming redemption.