Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. (Prov. 17:9)The words of gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts. (Prov. 18:8)Do not let any unwholesome (gangrenous) talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Eph. 4:29)
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 information—a way of handing one another’s failures, sins, and weaknesses that requires a gospel heart; a heart filled with your mercy and grace. There is such a thing as a “gospel cover-up,” and I want to be much better at it. So as I meditate on this Scripture, hear my confession and my prayers, Lord Jesus.
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. It’s as though I never really forgave them the first time.
Forgive me when I repeat someone’s offense to another friend or a number of friends under the guise of seeking prayer, when in reality I’m just gossiping—even slandering people I claim to care about. How insecure and insidious—how gangrenous.
Forgive me when I keep the sins and offenses of others uncovered, rehearse them to myself—feeding my self-righteousness, fueling my anger, and fermenting my desire for revenge. That’s ugly, grace-robbing and a blatant contradiction of the gospel. Indeed, Jesus, forgive me when I choose to feast on the “choice morsels” of gossip more than bread from heaven—gospel manna.
Forgive me when I constantly repeat my own failures to myself—choosing to indulge my self-contempt and the accusations of Satan much more than believing and relishing the gospel. What a destructive way to do life, robbing you of much glory.
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’ll never repeat my sinful matters to me or to anyone else. How I praise you today for your great love for us. Continue to change my heart and channel my words, by your grace and for your glory. So very Amen I pray, in your holy and kind name.