“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.” Proverbs 10:12
Today’s verse highlights the contrast between hatred and love. The difference is fairly obvious on the surface. Hatred is destructive. Love is healing. Hatred drives people apart. Love brings people together. But when we look deeper, we see a profound truth about the healing power of love—it works to cover offenses. So, what exactly does that mean?
First, covering a transgression in love doesn’t mean ignoring blatant sin or participating in a coverup. Scripture is clear that sin must be addressed in truth and love. To “cover” means to refrain from spreading or dwelling on someone else’s sin. It’s responding with grace and humility to bring peace and restoration.
Peter describes it this way, “keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Fervent love is constant. And because it makes a persistent effort, fervent love protects us from developing a critical or petty spirit.
When we magnify the faults of others, we put a wedge in the relationship. That’s why Proverbs 17:9 tells us, “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” In other words, love doesn’t gossip. It gently confronts when needed—not to condemn but to restore (Galatians 6:1).
So, while hatred accuses and stirs up conflict, love overwhelms offenses with forgiveness. Isn’t that what God has done for us? He doesn’t forgive only the small things, nor does He just overlook our sin. God loved us enough to give His own Son as a sacrifice in our place, paying the price for our sin. All of our transgressions are covered in Christ (1 John 1:7).
Why then do we struggle to show godly love when someone hurts or offends us? Animosity simply isn’t compatible with Christianity, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 John 4:20).
Which relationship in your life needs the healing power of love? What action does Scripture call you to take? Remember, godly love is driven by gratitude for the forgiveness you’ve received in Christ and the recognition that His grace is offered to others just as freely. Ask God to help you respond with grace and humility today.
