Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 NLT
Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Colossians 3:14-15 MSG
We are accustomed to thinking of a cover-up in a negative way. We speak of cover-ups accusatorily when we believe someone is hiding information that is necessary for others to make wise and informed decisions, as in someone hiding illegal or illicit actions.
But there is another definition for cover-up, and it is the one Peter uses in giving relationship direction. He says we need to deeply love others, because our love will help us throw a protective cover over their flaws and mistakes. That cover-up will tenderly deal with the situation in a way that refuses to destroy. Peter learned that from Jesus Himself. Peter had created huge gaps in his relationship with Jesus. He had proven himself to be fearful and untrustworthy when Jesus needed him most. But Jesus swiftly moved to fill the gap with forgiveness, understanding, and hope. He threw the beautiful protective cover of love over the flaws and cracks Peter had created, and Peter became one of Jesus’ most devoted followers in all of history.
Paul understood how that can happen for all of us and through all of us because he, too, had experienced the beautiful love cover-up Jesus exemplifies. It requires forgiveness for all the real and perceived affronts and missteps. How do we forgive quickly and thoroughly? Paul says it requires wearing love like a cloak or coat – a garment we can never go without. When we are consistently and continually covered with love, we have exactly what we need when a gap occurs. Instead of cynicism, blame, or a lack of trust eroding the relationship, we can throw the blanket of love over the gap between what we expected and wanted. We can respond in helpful ways instead of the reactions that multiply the pain for everyone. The cover-up of love is an all-weather garment – it gives protection in all kinds of situations.
This appears to be sacrificial and demanding – and it is to make the choice in the moment. But in the long run, even more quickly than you think, no one benefits more than you from loving deeply and being willing to throw that cover-up of love over the little offenses that so easily destroy. It identifies us with Jesus, and we will get the blessings of living and loving like Him.
- Jesus, help me be willing to lovingly fill my gaps with trust and hope, and see what You will do with my humble surrender.