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Here we read a proverb that speaks of the excellence of love. Note the first part of the proverb tells us that hatred stirs up strife; strife here means litigation or fighting. Those filled with hatred light the sparks of contention, whereas love attempts to conceal, forbear, excuse and forgive. Jesus told us we are to forgive others 70 x 7 times, meaning there is no end to forgiveness in those filled with love:
"Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 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." (James 5:19,20).
This has been a command of God throughout the entire Bible: to keep fervent in our love. We are also told that we are to have a most intense love for our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; this is a special affection spoken of in scripture (Colossians 3:14; Galatians 6:9,10; Hebrews 13:1). Our love points to the mercy and love of God; we must forgive others as He has forgiven us. Peter alludes to the proverb in his epistle where he notes the most fervent charity should be among fellow Christians or "among yourselves".
"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8).
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