NoelHeikkinen.com

Covering an Offense

Oct 19, 2009 Print This Post

I love those moments when Scripture leaps off of the page (or the screen) and is so immediately applicable in your present situation!

I just had such a moment. I was reading blogs and came across this simple one verse post on TheResurgence:

Let those words sink in.

Last week, I saw this simple truth play out both ways several times.

The right way: covering an offense. Notice this doesn’t say “pretending like it never happened” or “there are no consequences for someone’s actions” or “hiding sin.” Rather, it is the idea of letting go of an offense, forgiving and moving on. This is not often easy, but it is the loving approach to someone who has sinned against you. Here’s a verse I have often repeated to my kids:

1 Corinthians 6:7b Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated?

The wrong way: repeating a matter. When someone has done wrong by us, we tend to start talking about it and we never stop. Even after forgiveness has been sought and even offered, we keep talking. We like to say we are “asking for prayer” or “getting counsel” or “venting” but really we are often gossiping. Our gossip separates close friend, destroys relationships, and splits churches. Maybe that’s why Paul is so severe in his treatment of divisive people.