We live in an age of investigative journalism. The news media – decades ago mainly newspapers – have always reported on scandals, etc., if they became known. Today some reporters concentrate exclusively on uncovering illegal activity. Sometimes they even go undercover themselves and take a job at a company in order to document its mistakes.

And there are people who really enjoy the revelation of mischief, especially when it involves their opponents, whether they be political, business or other competitors. And those exposed often go through some very embarrassing times.

Our heavenly father isn't an investigative reporter, but He does want to expose our shortcomings in the sense of us answering for what we have done. "Each of us shall give account of himself to God", the apostle Paul tells us (Romans 14:12). God's purpose is quite different from those who just want to expose the shortcomings of others. God makes us aware of our sins, "not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

What God does with us when we repent is quite different from the work of an investigative journalist. God "has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:10-12). And if our attitude is repentant, God isn't out to keep a record of our sins: "If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared" (Psalm 130:3-4).

God offers us forgiveness of our sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and love, which is what God is (1 John 4:8), "will cover a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). Yes, in giving us repentance (Romans 2:4) God "exposes our sins", so He can cover them again when we acknowledge them and repent.

God's way of dealing with our shortcomings should be reflected in our attitude toward others: "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Matthew 6:12).

With these thoughts I wish everyone a meaningful and rewarding Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread!