No Deal (part 3 of 5)

In the scheme of things, there are many events that are relatively minor and should be overlooked. Some sins are little; let them go. Also, accidents happen―no sin, no ill-will―just an old fashion accident. As comedian Steven Write said, “You can’t have everything; where would you put it?” So too, you can’t deal with everything, you don’t have the time. While we must not “cover-up sin,” nevertheless, there are many sins that should be covered by love. Get over it. I mean cheerfully leave it behind and forget about it. It’s no deal at all. Let it slide. Everyone (including you), will be happier if you do. You’re going to need some of that same kind of grace very soon, so be generous with your covering love.

Now I would offer one caution here. Just as we should not turn a deal into a big deal, neither may we turn a genuine deal into no deal. If there’s significant sin or injury we must not (in the name of grace) excuse sins that can and do really hurt people. We still need to be wise in our triage. So, if you just can’t let it go, then you must go to your brother or sister and deal with it in a biblical manner (Matt. 5:24; 18:15). “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: ¹⁵ looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled” (Heb. 12:14-15).

There are a lot of things that happen that are really “no deal.” However, if they happen again, or happen repeatedly, they might become a real “deal,” or even a “big deal.” There’s an old saying I like: “Friends may come and go, but enemies accumulate.” Well, that’s true concerning some little things; they can accumulate. If they do, then we have to do something. God requires us to be wise in both directions. But let’s start here: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32); “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8); “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” (1 Peter 4:8).