He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends. (Proverbs 17:9, NKJV)
When we love the people in our lives, we will not reveal their transgressions. We will not talk behind their backs gossiping about them with others. The definition of gossip is “idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others.”
We should not listen to or participate in gossip disguised as “prayer requests” or “prayer updates.” Most of us have heard this or even participated because no one is perfect. It’s important to use discernment to navigate these situations.
We shouldn’t ignore or condone wrongdoing either. We can confront others about their behavior lovingly and gently so they can make changes. And in the same manner, we must also be open to correction should someone approach us this way.
We all need true, deep, trusting friendships. God made us to enjoy good friendships. It can be hard to trust God if we can’t trust the people around us.
When someone confides in us, they trust us with the deepest part of them, and we need to guard that trust as much as possible. If we reach a point where the secret is damaging to the person who shared it or it’s harmful to someone else, we need to get that person to get appropriate help. Seek wise counsel from your pastor or another minister before taking the next step.
When we don’t have love, we continuously repeat a matter and risk losing good friendships. Love is very important in these cases. Any confrontation must be done with love, or we could lose the opportunity to have any influence over the situation.
Paul helps us by giving clear instructions in II Timothy 2:24-26,
“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” (NKJV)
Prayer: Lord, I pray that my heart corrects with love and can also be corrected. I pray that I speak love to everyone I meet so they will feel Your love and mercy shown through this human vessel. May I speak correction in boldness and gentleness, for they are not mutually exclusive. Lastly, I pray for a heart that hears Your correction for me as I seek to draw closer to You. Amen.
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