Loving Discretion

Pro 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

I have met many, especially preachers, who feel it is their "ministry" to expose the sins of others. Of course, their own, they would rather sweep under a rug. After all, they are in the ministry and what good would it do if people knew that a preacher was human???

The golden rule applies here also. If a person sins and someone else finds out about it, they need to go to the guilty party and get it taken care of one on one. This is what Jesus says in Mt 18, "Between thee and him alone."

Keeping sins covered up, as long as the guilty party is repentant, shows love. An individual who loves God, yet falls to the wiles of the Devil gains nothing by exposure, but by restoration. I have found true what the Word of God says, "the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance."

So, learn to deal with a matter then forgive and forget. Put the past in the past and move on.

What does happen when a blabber mouth spreads the news around? Best friends are lost. This is a tragedy. So, if you are privy to some dirt on a brother, talk to them in love, give them space to get the matter right with God and any offended parties, keep the matter under wraps and thank God for forgiveness...theirs and yours!