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” do anything other than raise suspicion, eyebrows, and ire. We recoil when we experience the manipulation of facts, the minimization of harm, and the muting of our voices.
But there is a way of handing one another’s failures, sins, and weaknesses that requires a Gospel-heart. There is such a thing as a “Gospel cover-up,” and we need to get better at it. So as we meditate on this Scripture, hear our confession, and grant us grace.
Forgive us when we choose to uncover and weaponize offenses against our spouse, children, or “opponents”—to bring shame, gain an advantage, or win an argument. When we do so, the sincerity of our forgiveness is negated.
Forgive us when we repeat someone’s offense to others—disguised as a prayer request or expression of concern. This is usually little more than spiritualized gossip—at times, slander.
Forgive us when we rehearse other people’s failures and weaknesses to ourselves—feeding our self-righteousness, fueling our anger, and fermenting our desire for revenge. It’s never okay.
Forgive us when we repeat our blunders and sins to ourselves—indulging in self-contempt and the condemnation of the devil. When we make this choice, we push the mute button on your voice of grace and forgiveness; and rob ourselves of the riches of the Gospel.
Jesus, by your blood you have once and for all covered up, covered over, and carried away our sins. You’ll never repeat our sin to us, or anyone else. You are our full forgiveness and perfect righteousness. Hallelujah! Continue to change our hearts and channel our words, for your glory and the good of others. So very Amen we pray, in your holy and loving name.