The Bible tells us that there is one thing greater than faith and hope, and that is love. 1 Cor. 13:13 Our ability to love each other is a necessary part of our walk with Christ. We should be kindly affectioned to one another as Christ is to us. The effect of Christ’s love is that by the application of His blood sin is forgiven. Our goal should be to recognize the need of fellow believers to be forgiven and pray that God’s all sufficient grace reaches them. We should not put ourselves in harm’s way in our quest to love and forgive but develop the ability to let go of the malice in our hearts toward them when we have been offended.
Rather than spread the unsavory facts from their pasts, we are to cover them, not speak of them, not hold them hostage to them. This act of covering is like a protective shield, ensuring that their past does not define them. You may even distance yourself from their presence but make sincere requests to God for grace for them and their wellbeing, knowing that your prayers connect you and them to a supportive and loving community of believers.
A deeper walk with God requires us to release the self-gratification of a grudge and the entertainment of malice and anger. To cover someone is to be the person who does not spread the rumor but the one who changes the subject when it comes up. The deeper walk requires us to leave behind the desire to see them suffer and pray for their blessing. And God, who is merciful will bless your surrender to His word.
1Peter 4:6 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
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