Don’t Air Your Dirty Laundry

Submitted by Sam Nobles

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:35 ESV

You would never hang your undergarments in the front yard to dry as guests arrived for dinner, but so many people, even good Christians, are doing so increasingly through every form of social media — even when the laundry isn’t their own. When the issue is doctrine or method, the discussion is good, but when it’s a story of strife between brothers and sisters in Christ, it’s high time we lay low because “we don’t air our dirty laundry!”

Jesus gave the priority of loving each other, between Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. So, with a betrayer in one ear and a selfish self-protective friend in the other, Jesus called us to love. WOW! If our most powerful kingdom weapon is the way we love each other, then the way we handle ourselves in personal grievances and relational disputes make-up the greatest opportunity to show forth Jesus.

It is better to be wronged than revealed by public post. Whether it is unpleasant business, church disputes, or relational strife, we are to be known for our love. Even if you have been wronged, even if someone has come at you in hurtful ways, bow in silence, commit your way to the Lord and wait for His deliverance.

Be as public as you want about your own sin and relational shortcomings, but NEVER about another’s. People may assume your guilt if you don’t clear your name, but don’t forfeit God’s favor by seeking to manufacture your own. We don’t air our dirty laundry for the world to see. Suck up the injustice if you have to, but no retaliation, no recompense, no returning evil for evil. We are Christ-followers and Jesus laid down an awesome example on this point!

Hang all the love you want on the line for the world to see, but keep the dirty laundry of disappointment with others out of sight. Too many times I have witnessed publicized conflict that was later resolved privately. That is 100% backwards. It is our love and reconciliation and mutual humility that are to be public, and our grievances and complaints that need to be kept private. Beware when making your point misses the point that we don’t air our dirty laundry.

Scripture to Claim:

“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.”  (Psalm 37:5 ESV)