Joe and Jessa our new dog "Q" recently got into our burn pile and pulled a pizza box into the yard. When daddy scolded him his body language immediately changed. "Q" realized that what he did was wrong. He went to his dog house got his blanket, and proceeded to spread it out and cover the pizza box.

After I quit laughing my first thought was that he was acting like Achan (Joshua 7). Lately, however, I've been considering that love covers a multitude of sins. "Q" demonstrated the fundamental principal of this verse. Covering is a part of moving on and being forgiven. Added feelings of shame happens when sins are exposed for others to see (John 8:1-11).

In the process of reaching out to someone who is struggling with sin the goal is restoration. Love covers, literally and figuratively, the sins of others. I can push people away with the way I react to their sin. My attitude, criticism, gossiping and lack of discretion only creates further damage. God is asking me to cover others with the respect, courtesy and forgiveness. The way He deals with me is the standard!

James 5 :19-20

My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.