No Bearing False Witness; No Gossip

In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 

                                                                                        (Luke 12:1-4 KJV)

Do good to others. Do no harm in  word or deed. It is too bad that there are those who would spread gossip (even if it may be partially true) to purposely put a bad light on someone's life. Gossip can destroy a person physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The explanation of the eighth commandment in Luther's Small Catechism reminds us that we are not to harm other; but, in all things to help them. 

"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

What does this mean? — Answer.

We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, or defame our neighbor, but defend him, [think and] speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything."

We can whisper behind someone's back and think it will never get back to the one that is being gossiped about. But, I have found that in most cases the gossip is found out and inevitably causes much turmoil and stress for the target of the gossip. Gossip shared in the darkness almost always brings more darkness to both the target of the gossip and the gossiper. It may be awhile before the person being gossiped about may find out about how they have been disrespected by the gossipers; but, don't be deceived. God knows all things we say or think whether it is good or bad.

Therefore; we ought not fear those who speak behind our backs to cause us harm. Words spoken in darkness will eventually be revealed by the light. Sooner or later the closet doors will open. Sooner or later the sun will come out and the truth will be known. But, for now it is enough that God knows the truth.

Do no harm. Speak in the light of day. Speak with integrity. Speak with truth. Live in the light of Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J