1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

“Pointing out your failure makes me feel superior.” This is a twisted thought that leads to slander and gossip. Can I truly love my fellowman and choose this destructive path?  All humans are frail; we are all vulnerable; we have all sinned; we all have areas of weakness. Peter wrote that love covers these difficulties in others. Love takes no delight in revealing sin or “sharing” reports of failure or destruction. Love grieves and hurts when others fail. Love seeks to bind up the wounds, to support the weak, to protect the vulnerable, and to bring truth to the sinner. We must seek to love “deeply”– deep enough to forgive faults, deep enough to restore our neighbor when he fails. 

            Covering a sin is not ignoring it. Rather, it is protecting our fellowman from destruction–from those who do not love him, from those who seek to destroy his reputation and his future, and from those who want to believe he is hopeless, helpless and cannot change.  As we protect our brother from the “wolves,” we must also lovingly confront the issues, appeal for change, and lead the student toward repentance. We must believe that change is possible and that, through Christ, the student can choose to turn from his error and be completely restored.

 Matthew 18:15-17 gives us instructions for dealing with offenses. We, as teachers, should deal with our students privately when they fail. We must not argue, confront, or embarrass students in front of the class.  When students believe you are their advocate, they will become more open to receiving your counsel and your correction. Privacy is not always possible, but you can be careful not to shame the student as you discipline.

            Love earns the right to discipline, the right to counsel, and the right to lead. This lesson also applies to relationships with fellow teachers. We must love our coworkers enough to support them in their weaknesses, and cover their faults before parents and students. Often parents, students, and teachers will bait us to see if we will participate in gossip toward church or school leaders, staff members, parents, students, or other teachers. Love does not discuss others’ weaknesses; “love covers a multitude of sin.” Love understands the Matthew 18 principle of going privately to someone in error for the purpose of restoration. 

Dear God, Help me to be sensitive to the emotional needs of those I must correct. Give me the wisdom to deal with each person with honor, respect, and love.