8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
8 Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."
8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
7 Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
(Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Some of the effects of charity are stated, that we may know whether we have this grace; and that if we have not, we may not rest till we have it. This love is a clear proof of regeneration, and is a touchstone of our professed faith in Christ. In this beautiful description of the nature and effects of love, it is meant to show the Corinthians that their conduct had, in many respects, been a contrast to it. Charity is an utter enemy to selfishness; it does not desire or seek its own praise, or honour, or profit, or pleasure. Not that charity destroys all regard to ourselves, or that the charitable man should neglect himself and all his interests. But charity never seeks its own to the hurt of others, or to neglect others. It ever prefers the welfare of others to its private advantage. How good-natured and amiable is Christian charity! How excellent would Christianity appear to the world, if those who profess it were more under this Divine principle, and paid due regard to the command on which its blessed Author laid the chief stress! Let us ask whether this Divine love dwells in our hearts. Has this principle guided us into becoming behaviour to all men? Are we willing to lay aside selfish objects and aims? Here is a call to watchfulness, diligence, and prayer.
12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
12 Hatred starts fights, but love pulls a quilt over the bickering.
12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.
12 Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.
(Read Proverbs 10:12)
Where there is hatred, every thing stirs up strife. By bearing with each other, peace and harmony are preserved.
17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
17 Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.
17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
(Read Proverbs 17:17)
No change of outward circumstances should abate our affection for our friends or relatives. But no friend, except Christ, deserves unlimited confidence. In Him this text did receive, and still receives its most glorious fulfilment.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Peter 4:8
Commentary on 1 Peter 4:7-11
(Read 1 Peter 4:7-11)
The destruction of the Jewish church and nation, foretold by our Saviour, was very near. And the speedy approach of death and judgment concerns all, to which these words naturally lead our minds. Our approaching end, is a powerful argument to make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religion. There are so many things amiss in all, that unless love covers, excuses, and forgives in others, the mistakes and faults for which every one needs the forbearance of others, Satan will prevail to stir up divisions and discords. But we are not to suppose that charity will cover or make amends for the sins of those who exercise it, so as to induce God to forgive them. The nature of a Christian's work, which is high work and hard work, the goodness of the Master, and the excellence of the reward, all require that our endeavours should be serious and earnest. And in all the duties and services of life, we should aim at the glory of God as our chief end. He is a miserable, unsettled wretch, who cleaves to himself, and forgets God; is only perplexed about his credit, and gain, and base ends, which are often broken, and which, when he attains, both he and they must shortly perish together. But he who has given up himself and his all to God, may say confidently that the Lord is his portion; and nothing but glory through Christ Jesus, is solid and lasting; that abideth for ever.