1 Peter 4:8

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves, etc.] 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, and sanctified by the Spirit; and these not only such as are of the same nation, and belong to the same particular church and community, or of the same denomination, but all the saints everywhere, whether Jews or Gentiles, or of whatsoever name, and in whatsoever state and condition: and this love ought to be…”

“above all things--not that "charity" or love is placed above "prayer," but because love is the animating spirit, without which all other duties are dead. Translate as Greek, "Having your mutual (literally, 'towards yourselves') charity intense." He presupposes its existence among them; he urges them to make it more fervent. charity shall cover the multitude, &c.--The oldest manuscripts have "covereth." Quoted from Pro 10:12; compare Pro 17:9. "Covereth" so as not harshly to condemn or expose faults; but forbearingly to bear the other's burdens, forgiving and forgetting past offenses. Perhaps the additional idea is included, By prayer for them, love tries to have them covered by God; and so…”

“And above all things - More than all things else. Have fervent charity among yourselves - Warm, ardent love toward each other. On the nature of charity, see the notes at 1 Corinthians 13:1. 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. This passage is quoted from Proverbs 10:12; “Love covereth all sins.” For the truth of it we have only to appeal to the experience of everyone: True love to another makes us kind to his imperfections, charitable toward his faults, and often blind even to the existence of…”

“Love covereth a multitude of sins - Yea, "love covereth all things." He that loves another, covers his faults, how many soever they be. He turns away his own eyes from them; and, as far as is possible, hides them from others. And he continually prays that all the sinner's iniquities may be forgiven and his sins covered. Meantime the God of love measures to him with the same measure into his bosom. 1 Peter 4:9”

“4:8 By its nature, love overlooks sins committed against us by others (see Prov 10:12; Matt 18:21-22; 1 Cor 13:4-7). Peter might also mean that our attitude of love, because it displays our relationship with Christ, covers our own sins and causes them to be forgiven (see Luke 7:47).”

“above: Col 3:14; Jam 5:12; Jo3 1:2 fervent: Αγαπην εκτενη \[Strong's G1618\], "intense love; for love shall cover (or covers, καλυπτει \[Strong's G2572\], in the present tense, as several copies read) a multitude of sins;" which seems a reference to the proverb, "love covereth all sins," Pro 10:12. Pe1 1:22; Co1 13:1-13, Co1 14:1; Th1 3:12, Th1 4:9, Th1 4:10; Th2 1:3; Ti1 1:5; Heb 13:1; Pe2 1:6, Pe2 1:7 for: Pro 10:12, Pro 12:16, Pro 17:9, Pro 18:13; Co1 13:7; Jam 5:20 shall: or, will 1 Peter 4:9”