“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” Prov. 17:9
Lord Jesus, rarely does the phrase “cover-up” imply something good is going on. But there’s a way of handling one another’s failures, sins, and weaknesses that is profoundly good. There is such a thing as a “gospel cover-up” and I want to get much better at it. So as I meditate on this Scripture, hear my confession and my prayers.
Forgive me when I choose to uncover and weaponize old offenses. Whether it’s in a “discussion” with my wife, or in a vulnerable moment with a friend, or in a setting where I want to minimize my sin, gain an advantage, or get control. That’s really immature and insecure of me.
Forgive me when I repeat someone’s offense under the guise of seeking prayer for them. In reality, I am gossiping, and gossip is like “delicious morsels” (Prov.18:8) to those who share and receive news about someone else’s weaknesses. How insidious and unloving is that?
Forgive me when I keep a record and rehearse the ways people have hurt me—feeding my self-righteousness, fueling my anger, and fermenting my desire for revenge. That is really ugly, Jesus—it’s anti-grace.
Forgive me when I repeat my regrets, sins, and failures to myself—choosing to indulge in self-contempt and accept the devil’s condemnation more than I believe and relish the Gospel. When I do this, I rob you of glory, Jesus, and I rob my heart of peace and joy. That’s not okay—especially the first part.
Jesus, you have “covered” and carried away our sins forever. Hallelujah and thank you! You will never use our sins against us—never, ever. You don’t have amnesia; you have grace upon grace. We worship and adore you, Jesus. So Very Amen.
