The Blanket

“He who covers a transgression seeks love…” Psalm 17:9

A lost blanket ignites catastrophe with my grandchildren. One needs “blankie” and baby, the other “blankie” and bunny. Without these necessary sleep items, a meltdown will ensue. No amount of coercing will convince them they can sleep without their prized possessions. I have to admit I have a favorite blanket I curl up with on my sofa too. The moment I drape myself in it, I’m a goner. Television blaring, lights shining directly upon me, nothing matters when I’m covered in the soft fabric.
Since the beginning of time, God has provided coverings to make us feel secure, to give us rest. Adam and Eve needed a covering for their sin. Blood sprinkled on doorposts were a protective covering for the Israelites on the first Passover. The cross of Calvary is a covering for man’s sinfulness, initiating forgiveness and peace.
Compelled by the love of God, we can provide a blanket for those in need. Psalm 17 reminds us, by covering a person’s sin, we wrap them in love. How often I’m tempted to do the opposite of covering their transgression. I want to expose them for who they really are and what they’ve done. Quite frankly, that’s not my job.
Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are.” God’s Word uncovers sins for the purpose of repentance and then a covering. When we try to cover our own sin there’s no rest within us. Sleepless nights take a toll on the body. Uncovering another person’s sins leads to sleepless nights too. Gossip, slander, exposing the weaknesses of others, is the opposite of love.
Is it my job to rob another man of sleep? No. That belongs to God. My exhortation is to cover transgressions and seek love.”