8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
Peter. 1 Pe 4:8–9. Hi, it’s Nathan, and this is Day 22 of 30 Days to a Better Marriage. Love covers a multitude of sins. We can expose our spouses to embarrassment by talking about their faults to others—even openly humiliating them with verbal jabs. Love doesn’t do this. It sacredly guards the reputations of others—especially our spouse. It doesn’t tell embarrassing stories, it doesn’t expose weakness or bad habits to the gawking eyes of others—it compassionately keeps the blinds lowered. [On a side-note, this isn’t an encouragement to suffer in silence. If you’re suffering in your marriage, get help—but get proper help. Gossiping is not proper help. Embarrassing your spouse in front of friends is not proper help. Talk to a counselor, pastor or mentor, even calling the police can be a start.] Our lesson today: Redemptive, fervent love, treats our spouse—a fellow sinner—with the forgiving generosity we ourselves cherish.
