Gossip

In 1887 the coffin of Abraham Lincoln was pried open to determine if it contained his body. What makes that act so remarkable is the fact that Lincoln's body had rested in that coffin for 22 years. Yet, even more amazing is that 14 years later a rumor circulated again that Lincoln's coffin was actually empty. The furor so gripped the land that the only way to silence it was to dig up the coffin--again. This was done and the rumor silenced when a handful of witnesses viewed the lifeless body of Abraham Lincoln. ~ Today in the World, 1991

Don't take offense. This needs to be said.

There are many things that are said on a regular basis that do not need to be said. That being the case, this article is designed to make you think about some of the things that you are saying that may be hurting the kingdom of God.

As long as the earth remains, people are going to dig up coffins and spread rumors. But Christians should never be party to such. Here are a few reminders about gossip to which all of us should take heed:

1. Do not gossip about the elders.
1 Tim 5:19 - "Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses." When people say negative things about the elders to you without complete proof, don't believe it and don't feed it. These men are held in high regard and are holding up the integrity of the church.

2. Do not gossip about the preachers.
Paul said to a fellow minister, Titus, "Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you" (Titus 2:15). Preachers make mistakes daily, and are sinners just like the rest of the world. But they also are representatives of the church. When a person talks negatively about their preacher, they are cutting down their own spiritual body and family.

3. Do not gossip about your brethren.
Paul said that some brethren have strayed from the faith, involving themselves in idle talk (1 Tim. 1:6). To do such is to stop living the Christian way. Jesus never engaged in idle gossip. No lover of the church would ever cut another brother down. Rom. 12:10 - "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another."

4. Do not gossip about the world.
Gossip is not any more acceptable just because it does not concern your brother. You can also do damage to the cause of Christ by having a bad reputation. Nobody is going to want to be a part of a congregation that is full of tale-bearers. People are seeking love, affection, belonging, brotherhood, hope, and peace. They are not coming into the doors of the church building to be examined by the members. They have come to communicate with God and to work on their relationship with Him and His church.

"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification." ~ Romans 15:2