Question: The following scripture seems to indicate that love among the brethren covers sin. What sin would that be if it seems to be among the brethren? “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (1Pet 4:8).
Answer: Christian love or charity (1Cor 13) will cover a multitude of not only faults, but also a multitude of sins wherever they are found.
I do not think this scripture indicates that the sins here referred to are among the brethren, but that is not to say they cannot be. While God’s standard is “go and sin no more”, not all people are diligent (2Pet 1:5) to add to their faith the fruits of the spirit. Hence their lack of diligence does not provide them with the promise that Peter by the Spirit gives in verse 10: “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (2Pet 1:10)”
We do have a scripture where Peter came to Christ wanting to know how many times we should forgive our brother’s sin. The Lord told him “until seventy times seven” (Mat 18:21) and in another place “seven times in a day” (Luk 17:4).
Now I would hold that the Bible teaches if a person sins seven times in a day against another person then they clearly are no longer saved; but we should still forgive them.
“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1Jn 2:4) and “He that committeth sin is of the devil;” (1Joh 3:8).
Also, the use of the word ‘brother’ here may mean your natural brother.
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