KEY TEXT: James 5:19–20 (KJV) – “19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
Where else in the Bible do we see the phrase “a multitude of sins”?
1 Peter 4:8 (KJV)
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
Charity (love) in 1 Peter 4:8 refers to deep, sacrificial love. Preceding the word charity is the word fervent. The word fervent is translated from ektenēs, which means intense, earnest, stretched out, constant, strenuous, or deeply devoted. The word charity alone already expresses the kind of love we ought to have, but even stronger emphasis is added when fervent is placed before it. This is the kind of love that covers a multitude of sins.
Proverbs 10:12 (KJV) reinforces this truth:
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
In James 5:19–20, we are told that he who allows himself to be used by God to convert a sinner from his erroneous ways shall save a soul from death and shall cover a multitude of sins. Ministering to souls through the Word of God is an act of love. Reproof and correction of error, when it is done in love, is an act of love.
Galatians 6:1 (KJV) says:
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness…”
Many times, we refrain from doing certain things, yet we tolerate those who do them. We do not mind what others are doing as long as it does not invade our personal space. A challenging question arises: Do we truly love them?
1 John 3:18 (KJV) confronts us:
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
It is painful to watch your own family member—especially your son or daughter—engage in sinful behavior because you love them. However, it often causes little to no pain when you observe someone else doing the very same things.
Many men do not mind seeing a woman showing sexual immorality through her behavior—as long as she is not their wife. Some even befriend such women, and others go further, engaging in sinful relationships with them, while knowing deep in their hearts that they would never marry them. When you have this attitude, ask yourself: Is the love of God truly in you?
Romans 12:9 (KJV) says:
“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
Pastor Randy Skeete once spoke about a lady who said that an older woman in the church advised her to have a child with a married man because married men are “safe.” Commenting on this, Pastor Skeete said, “That woman meant everybody else except her husband.” The love of God for other families was clearly absent in the woman who gave that advice.
Philippians 2:4 (KJV) reminds us:
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
When you read 1 Peter 4:8 without James 5:19–20, you might think that covering a multitude of sins only means refraining from publicly exposing the sins of others. That is part of it, but it is not sufficient.
Covering a multitude of sins means stretching yourself and making a sincere effort to pull someone out of the deadly pit of sin.
Jude 1:22–23 (KJV) powerfully expands this idea:
“And of some have compassion, making a difference:
And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire…”
If you do not know how to preach or teach effectively, you can still do something deeply powerful—pray for them with earnest intensity. Unfortunately, this is rare. We often find it burdensome to pray for others. We tend to pray mostly for ourselves and, at times, those closest to us—and even then, our prayers are often focused on material needs rather than spiritual growth.
Ephesians 6:18 (KJV) exhorts us:
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit… for all saints.”
We ought to pray fervently for God to help us overcome our own sins. Beyond that, we must go the extra mile—loving others as God has loved us—and pray earnestly for their deliverance from sin.
John 13:34 (KJV) says:
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you…”
At times, discouragement may come when we see that the person we are praying for has not yet overcome the habit. We must not give up. Our love for that person must be stronger than the urge to abandon them. Pray for them. Correct them with wisdom and love.
1 Corinthians 13:7 (KJV) reminds us what true love does:
“Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
If you do this, you will indeed cover a multitude of sins.
GOD BLESS YOU!
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Fill my heart with fervent love—love that is not passive, but active and sacrificial. Teach me to care for others as You care for me. Give me wisdom to correct with gentleness, boldness to speak truth, and compassion to pray earnestly for those who are lost. Help me not to ignore sin, but to lovingly help others turn from it. Strengthen me to never give up on a soul.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity
“One Soul, One Week” Challenge
Choose one person in your life who may be struggling spiritually.
For 7 days:
- Pray for them daily and specifically (not generally).
- Ask God to reveal their needs and struggles to you.
- Send them one encouraging message or Bible verse during the week.
- If appropriate, gently and lovingly speak truth into their life.
- Reflect each day: Did I act in love, or just observe from a distance?
Anchor verse for the activity:
James 5:20 (KJV) — “…he which converteth the sinner… shall save a soul from death…”
Author: Mark Alex
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