Naked and Need a Blanket?

God saved Noah's life. He also saved his family. A flood of epic proportions had covered the earth, but Noah's family was spared.

Not long after that, Noah had his own private wine-tasting party. It is safe to say, he had a blast! In fact, he got so drunk that he passed out in his tent..without a stitch of clothes on his body.

One of Noah's sons went to visit his dad, only to discover his naked-drunk dad.

That son had a decision to make. Would he cover his dad with a blanket and let the story end there, or would he share the news with others?

He chose to tell his brothers of their father's little indiscretion.

As a result, there was division in the family that would never be resolved (see Genesis 9:18-29).

That story got me thinking about how I respond to peoples' struggles. Do I cover the person with a blanket and then when the time is appropriate have a heart to heart discussion? Or do I expose the indiscretion and add to the embarrassment and shame

When God uncovers sin in my life or the lives of those around me, I believe that is the time to grab a blanket. NOT TO COVER UP THE OFFENSE, but to COVER THE OFFENDER.

I wonder how differently things would have ended for Noah's family if his son had simply covered his dad with a blanket...and then (after ole dad had sobered up) confronted him with compassion, concern, truth, and mercy.

Why would we not want to keep the matter as private as possible? Is it because we like to see others struggle? Is it because it makes us feel better about our own junk?

Trust me. I've been the offender too many times to count. Having my sins exposed is painful and humiliating. But I thank God for the people He has sent in my life from time to time with blankets that were stitched out of compassion, concern, truth, and much mercy. I'm now ready and willing to return the favor.