“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
The phrase “cover over a multitude of sins” shows up in the books of James and 1 Peter. I read both books recently and wondered just what those writers meant when they penned those words. I know it is the blood of Jesus on the cross that covers our sins so there must be a different meaning here.
One commentator says that “covering sin” is a metaphor for forgiveness and that makes sense, especially in light of Romans 4:7, which refers back to Psalm 32:1. “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” God forgives sin but we are also commanded to forgive others.
James ends his book by saying if one brings back another who has wandered from the truth he “will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
Many today have wandered from the truth or at least compromised it. Truth doesn’t seem to be as important as selfish desires. But I find it difficult to know how to bring someone back to the truth. I know prayer is a must and it seems I would need to be alert for conversation opportunities. This is my struggle but mostly it’s a prayer struggle- asking God to open someone’s eyes to the error of their way or to put someone in that person’s life that lives the truth. And as Peter says, it requires a deep love for that person. Then, I ask myself, “Am I living in the truth?” (There’s that speck of sawdust and plank thing Jesus warned us about in Matthew 7.)
I don’t have an answer for my struggle, but I’m trusting God to work through me, helping me to love, even when it’s hard; and to pray, even when I’m not sure how to pray. Truth is found in the Bible and must not be neglected. Salvation comes from the One who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Love one another deeply. This is only possible through Jesus.
Thank you, Jesus, for loving us and loving others through us! Thank you for covering our sins.
What a difficult post this is to read. Do I ever love deep enough? Can I ever love deep enough? God knows what a difficult vessel He has in me. May I ever be up to the task set before me by my Creator and through Him. Amen.
Sweet Diana, I wish you could know how many times I think of you!!! You might be surprised to learn that you are on my mind and in my heart several times EVERY DAY AND OFTEN DURING THE NIGHT TOO. There are many reasons for remembering you: our good times in Levittown, your treasured friendship, and your struggles these past few years. We are in a hard time right now and I do ask for your prayers. I consider you my sweet Sister in Christ and I know you are a strong Prayer Warrior! God is faithful in giving us His unfailing love. Judy Darden