For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth...Eph 5:9
Winter 2002 Volume 3, Issue 1 |
| |||
|
Gossip - also variously known as evil speaking, tale bearing, and slander - is the most pervasive and commonly accepted sin in our congregations today (How many people do you know that have been disciplined for gossip?). We need to honestly acknowledge that this is one of the least confronted and disciplined sins in the whole New Testament, and that it is also one of the primary vehicles used by Satan to stunt or prevent growth in the Lord's church. Perhaps not one of us is able to say that we have never crossed the line into gossip, but because of the pernicious and detrimental effects of this sin as described in the scriptures, it is evident that God wants us not only to be extremely mindful of it individually, but also to take measures congregationally when it surfaces. In Leviticus 19:16, we see God instructing His people not to become gossips; “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people”. The word "talebearer" (rakiyl in Hebrew) means to slander, to carry tales or other information that is critical of or damaging to another. This is a person who goes about cleverly gathering information on other people in order to tattle, to reveal secrets. It also implies an intent, which can only be considered as malicious, embarrassing, or harmful in some way. Paul describes these brethren in I Timothy 5:13 as "speaking things which they ought not". He also prescribes withdrawal of fellowship from those who will not heed the admonishment given in II Thessalonians 3:6,11. Why do we have such stringent measures commanded by our Lord for simply gathering and distributing "dirt"? What does the Bible say about "gossips" and the devastating, demoralizing effect that they can have on others, and the Lord's work? We want to look at some scriptures that point out the gossip's intentions. These will clearly define gossips by their actions as well, and give us definitive prescriptions, in some cases, for handling the problem. James tells us that we must bridle our tongues lest we reveal a vain (or useless) faith (James 1:26). This would indicate a faith that is not used in service to God, regardless of how we might view ourselves. The talebearer is a person who cannot be trusted to stay out |
of other brethren's affairs nor to keep matters to themselves (Proverbs 11:13), and ultimately causes friction between others (Proverbs 17:9). These "revelations" are often harmful (Proverbs 18:8), so we are warned not to associate with slanderers who might flatter us (Proverbs 20:19) in order to receive even more information (ammunition) to use against someone else. If we follow God's instructions in the manner, the gossip's effectiveness will cease (Proverbs 26:20). Why do people slander others? Because there is not the love in the heart which God requires concerning the brethren (Proverbs 10:18; Proverbs 11:9). In fact, the eagerness to hear or to spread slander (gossip), is an indication of the state of the heart ("wicked” Proverbs 17:4). The intent of this activity is various: (1) to reveal the faults of others; (2) to flatter themselves as superior to others; (3) to cover insecurities; (4) to cause a stir. Again, this will only happen if there is not enough love in the Christian heart (cf. I Corinthians 13:4,5 and I John 3:14,15). Gossip is a sin that will ultimately create divisions. What does the Lord say about those who "soweth discord among the brethren" (Proverbs 16:14, 19)? Paul and Peter speak to the problems of evil speaking that can take place amongst the brethren. They rebuke this
|
||
Inside...
Back to Fruit Of The Spirit Current Issue  Back issues of Fruit Of The Spirit can be found on-line here. |
