4.1-19

As we continue through the Bible, the harmony of the biblical author's messages become more and more clear. James 5:20 and 1 Peter 4:8 both quote Proverbs 10:12. In James, "Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." This speaks to the covering of sin through action. James is calling believers to be active in turning sinners away from their errors and guiding them towards truth. He connects this act of restoration to the covering of sins, suggesting that those who are successful in carrying out this duty can save a sinner from death and spare them from the consequences of their sinful actions.
1 Peter 4:8 emphasizes the importance of showing love to one another and how it can cover a multitude of sins. It is written in the context of suffering and persecution, and it stresses the need for believers to love one another generously, even in the midst of difficulties.
Though different in context and emphasis, both James 5:20 and 1 Peter 4:8 indicate the way for faults to be "covered over." James calls for believers to be active in helping sinners repent and find restoration, while 1 Peter encourages believers to show love and compassion towards one another. Both verses convey how sin can be covered and dealt with in a way that promotes unity, restoration, and forgiveness in the church.

CHAPTER 4

Keep Fervent in Your Love

1 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose—because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin—
2 so as to no longer live the rest of the time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have worked out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.
4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, maligning you,
5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 For to this the gospel has been proclaimed even to those who are now dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh as men, they live in the spirit according to the will of God.
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound thinking and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS.
9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
10 As each one has received a gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God—
11 whoever speaks, as one speaking the oracles of God; whoever serves, as one serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and might forever and ever. Amen.

Sharing the Suffering of Christ

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.
13 But to the degree you are sharing the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be put to shame, but is to glorify God in this name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God must entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing good.