Proverbs 19:11

Devotional Thoughts

By David Wilkerson

God doesn’t require anything of us in his commandments that he isn’t willing to do himself. And one of those requirements is to hide, cover and pardon the sins of our brothers and sisters. “Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother” (Matthew 18:15).

I believe that if there’s going to be a separate judgment for Christians, as some teach, this is the area of life where it will take place. God is offended when we expose the weaknesses and infirmities of other saints, especially before the eyes of the wicked. And I believe this judgment must be a private, one-on-one, intimate encounter. Jesus is going to say to us very lovingly:

“I cannot allow you to bring this baggage with you. I want to show you what you missed on earth, and how some of your works were done in the flesh without my Spirit. Yes, you’re my precious bride, and there is nothing but glory ahead for you. You’re under my blood covering, without a single spot or wrinkle. But all your works done in the flesh must burn.”

This will be done only to glorify his mercy. We’ll see all past deeds of our flesh burn as witness to his grace. What a glorious time of rejoicing in the mercy shown to us.

His Word already tells us, “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression” (Proverbs 19:11). “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing” (25:2). Now, in a private moment on that day, Jesus is going to show us how he covered and pardoned our sins, when we least deserved it. He’s going to reveal to us how his mercy and grace alone allowed us to pass over from death to life. “All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him” (Ezekiel 18:22). Our sins are forever blotted out by his blood, never to be mentioned again. And so should our attitudes be toward our brothers and sisters who have offended us.