PM Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4.8-11

This Evening’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

THE LOVE COVERING

1 PETER 4.8

Introduction:

1. The good relationship I establish and maintain with my brethren in Christ is critical in regards to my good relationship with God.

2. In our text, 1 Peter 4.8, Peter exhorted, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” (Cf., Prov. 10.12; James 5.19-20)

3. In bitterness and negativity resentment is born, but in kindness and thoughtful assistance “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

4. We would do well to consider this Love Covering…

I. LOVE COVERS, BUT IT DOESN’T CONDONE SIN!

1. Jesus taught us how to effectively deal with our brother’s sin. (Luke 17.3-5; Matt. 18.15-17)

2. The New Testament reiterates the need to properly deal with a brother’s sin. (Gal. 6.1-2; Jude 22-23; 2 Thess. 3.6-15)

II. LOVE COVERS, AND IT AVOIDS FAULTFINDING!

1. Faultfinding is a form of improper judging. (Matt. 7.1-5)

2. Love will lead to forgiveness. (Eph. 4.32; Col. 3.12-14)

III. LOVE COVERS, AND IT DISCHARGES GRUDGES!

1. “Love…keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Cor. 13.5 – niv).

2. Love forgives & forgets! (Matt. 6.14-15; Heb. 8.10)

IV. LOVE COVERS, AND IT REJECTS FAVORITISM!

1. Partiality among brethren is sinful. (James 2.1-9)

2. “Let love be without hypocrisy…” (Rom. 12.9-10).

Conclusion: Love will cover a multitude of sinful actions & attitudes.