Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. Prov. 17:9
Dear Lord Jesus, rarely does the phrase “cover-up” do anything but raise suspicion, eyebrows, and ire. We recoil when we experience the manipulation of facts, the minimization of harm, and the muting of our voices, especially in the face of blatant injustice. To be either an agent or victim of this kind of cover-up is never okay.
That being said, there’s a stewardship of delicate personal information—a way of handing one another’s failures, sins, and weaknesses, that requires a wise and loving gospel heart. There is such a thing as a “gospel cover-up,” and I want to be a master at it. As I meditate on this Scripture, hear my confession and prayers.
Forgive me when I choose to uncover and use old offenses against my spouse, my children, or my friends just to win an argument, gain an advantage, or minimize my own sin. When I do this dark thing, I act as though I never really forgave them the first time… and perhaps I didn’t.
Forgive me when I repeat someone’s offense to another friend or a number of friends under the guise of expressing concern and seeking prayer. In reality this is often gossip, even the slandering people I claim to care about. I know how much I hate to be on the other end of this destructive practice.
Forgive me when I keep uncovered and constantly rehearse the sins and offenses of others to myself—feeding my self-righteousness, fueling my anger, and fermenting my desire for revenge. This ugly and anti-grace.
Forgive me when I repeat my own failures to myself—choosing to indulge my self-contempt and the accusations of Satan much more than I believe and relish the gospel. What a destructive way to do life, one that robs you of much glory.
Lord Jesus, you are the greatest promoter of love ever, for by your blood you have once and for all covered up, covered over, and carried away our sins forever. You will never repeat our sinful matters to us or to anyone else. How we praise you today for your great love for us! Continue to change our hearts and channel our words—by your grace, for your glory and the good of others. We pray in your holy and kind name. Amen.