We are living in a period where the expression of extreme views seem to be the norm.  It may be that social media has created an environment where people feel the liberty to be more critical of those with opposing views.  So how are Christians to respond to this current culture?  In this verse, Peter is stating that a Christian should not look for every opportunity to point out the sins and weaknesses of others.  That expressing grace toward others is more important than having a critical attitude.

I have always believed that the most difficult aspect of living within a community of believers is knowing when to point out sin and when to be encouraging.  If you never teach about sin and never correct others, you tend to condone sin.  If you make it a point to expose everyone’s sin publicly, you become legalistic.  I believe the key is learning how to love people and teaching the truth of God’s word at the same time. People will be convicted by God when the word of God is proclaimed.  And people will feel accepted when they realize that fellow believers will love them despite their flaws. 

While Peter states that love covers a multitude of sins, he is not saying that we are to ignore sin.  He is calling for an attitude of forgiveness and grace as we confront sin! Loving others means that a Christian seeks the highest good of another person.  Sometimes that means that you provide corrections when they are going down the wrong path.  But you do not do it out of anger.  Instead, you express it out of concern for their well-being.  This attitude does not attempt to magnify and dwell on their sins.  If you have experienced grace in your life, how can you be judgmental toward others without any expression of love?  Christians are called to go against the cultural trends of our day and love others deeply as God loves them! Even if you disagree with how they live.

Read 1 Peter 4:1-11