1 Peter 4:8 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

And above all things have fervent charity— See on James 5:12. Lest they should imagine that the sobriety and prayer recommended in the preceding verse were all that was required of them, St. Peter here inculcates mutual love, as a principal part of their duty. They were to make conscience of all the duties of the Christian life, but to lay the greatest stress upon the most important; and this, both in the idea of St. Peter and St. Paul, is love. Comp. 1 Corinthians 13:13. Instead of charity, as we have frequently observed, the word αγαπη should be rendered love. Have fervent love; for love will cover a multitude of sins. See Proverbs 10:12.