1 Peter 4:8 (BSB)

Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

From 1 Peter 4. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on 1 Peter 4:8

  • John Calvin (Reformed), Calvin's Commentaries on 1 Peter 4:8: 8 And above all things He commends charity or love as the first thing, for it is the bond of perfection. And he bids it to be fervent, or intense, or vehement, which is the same thing; for whosoever is immoderately fervent in self-love, loves others coldly. And he commends it on account of its fruit, because it buries innumerable sins, than which nothing is more desirable.
  • Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on 1 Peter 4:7-11: We have here an awful position or doctrine, and an inference drawn from it. The position is that the end of all things is at hand. The miserable destruction of the Jewish church and nation foretold by our Saviour is now very near; consequently, the time of their persecution and your sufferings is but very short.
  • John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on 1 Peter 4:8: And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves,.... Not but that charity, or love, is to be exercised towards all men, even towards enemies, but more especially towards the saints, and that under such a consideration in which it cannot be exercised towards others; namely, as their brethren in Christ, and as belonging to him, as the children of God, as redeemed by Christ...
  • Albert Barnes (Presbyterian), Barnes' New Testament Notes on 1 Peter 4:8: Verse 8. And above all things. More than all things else. Have fervent charity among yourselves. Warm, ardent love towards each other. On the nature of charity, . The word rendered fervent, means properly extended; then intent, earnest, fervent. For charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Love to another shall so cover or hide a great many imperfections in him, that you will not notice them.