1 Peter 4:8

8 before all things have ye charity each to other in yourselves always [all-gates] lasting; for charity covereth the multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8 Meaning and Commentary

1 Peter 4:8

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves,
&c.] Not but that charity, or love, is to be exercised towards all men, even towards enemies, but more especially towards the saints, and that under such a consideration in which it cannot be exercised towards others; namely, as their brethren in Christ, and as belonging to him, as the children of God, as redeemed by Christ, and sanctified by the Spirit; and these not only such as are of the same nation, and belong to the same particular church and community, or of the same denomination, but all the saints everywhere, whether Jews or Gentiles, or of whatsoever name, and in whatsoever state and condition: and this love ought to be mutual and reciprocal, and to be warm and fervent, and not lukewarm and indifferent, as it too often is; and should be constant, "continued", and "perpetual", as the Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions here read: and this the apostle exhorts to above all things else; since outward sobriety, and watchings, and prayer, and all other duties, are nothing without this; this is the sum and substance of the law, and the fulfilling of it; and without this a mere knowledge of the Gospel, and a profession of it, are in vain, and therefore in the first place to be attended to. And especially for the following reason,

for charity shall cover the multitude of sins;
referring to ( Proverbs 10:12 ) not a man's own sins, but the sins of others; and not from the sight of God, for from that only the blood and righteousness of Christ cover sins, even all the sins, the whole multitude of the sins of God's elect; but from the sight of men, both of those against whom they are committed, and others; since charity, or true love, thinks no ill, but puts the best constructions upon the words and actions of fellow Christians, and does not take them up, and improve and exaggerate them, but lets them lie buried in oblivion: it takes no notice of injuries, offences, and affronts, but overlooks them, bears with them, and forgives them, so that they are never raked up, and seen any more; which prevents much scandal, strife, and trouble. The Alexandrian copy, and some others, and the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, read, "covereth", as in ( Proverbs 10:12 ) .

1 Peter 4:8 In-Context

6 For why for this thing it is preached also to dead men, that they be deemed by men in flesh, and that they live by God in spirit. [+For why for this thing to dead men it is evangelized also, that they be deemed soothly after men in flesh, but that they live after God in spirit.]

7 For the end of all things shall approach [Forsooth the end of all things shall nigh]. Therefore be ye prudent, and wake ye in prayers;

8 before all things have ye charity each to other in yourselves always [all-gates] lasting; for charity covereth the multitude of sins.

9 Hold ye hospitality together without grudging [without grutching];

10 each man as he hath received grace, ministering it into each other [ministering each to other], as good dispensers of the manifold grace of God.