1 Peter 4:8

The next grace and virtue exhorted to, is that of charity, or mutual love amongst themselves: and observe with what special care and particular regard it is recommended to us, above all things; and note also the intense degree of it, it must not barely, be charity, but fervent charity; Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves.

Learn, That Christians ought to take care, above all things, that their love to one another be sincere and fervent.

But how may it be known to be such?

Ans. If it be active and operative; if we love not in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth; if it be not weakened by time; if it be not hindered by remoteness of place; if it be. sympathizing and compassionate love,. forbearing and forgiving love; then have we fervent charity among ourselves.

Observe next, The argument or reason to enforce the duty; for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. This may be understood two ways:

1. With respect to ourselves: charity, or true love to our brother, will cause us not strictly to take notice of, but silently to overlook and pass by, the faults and failings of others towards and against ourselves.

2. It will cover the sins of others from the eye of the world, and keep us from blazing abroad the infirmities of others, to their prejudice and disgrace: it is both unwarrantable and unsafe to cover the sins of others, either by flattery or falsehood; but to cover. sin by charity, to conceal it from public notice, is. great piece of Christian duty, unless when the concealing of it will do apparent mischief: love looks upon great wrongs as small, and small wrongs as none at all. He must have no friends that will have. friend with no fault, Hatred stirreth up strife, but love covereth all sins. Proverbs 10:12