I have spent some time reflecting on the what happened Sunday afternoon. That evening I read a portion from Piper’s Taste and See entitled, “Who Governs Thought and Tongue?” I didn’t really read with comprehension his entire meditation because my mind was preoccupied with the words of Proverbs 16:1

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

I had to consider this in light of some of the things my friend said to me on the phone earlier that day. If, in fact, the answer of the tongue is from the LORD, then her words were from the LORD. What was He trying to tell me? I thought these things through for some time and determined it was not the words themselves that were the issue. I believe the LORD directed my thoughts to my response to those words. I believe that in having her say what she said, He uncovered a sin in me He wants to root out. If I had possessed a humble spirit, then I would have listened and received what she said and not thought of my feelings nor of defending myself. Paul asks, “Why not rather be reviled?” The very fact that I responded with hurt and anger ripped the covers off and exposed my….pride.

Ugh! Is that what it is, Father? Pride? Yes.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:5-10

I was exposed in the pure light of His truth. Uncovered, so that He could cover me with the only appropriate covering for His children…His blood and His righteousness.