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

Abominations

 

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

                                                        Proverbs 29:27 NKJV

If this proverb is true (and I am quite certain that it is) then it seems to me that there was and always be a division within this country and the world. We are divided in many ways; but, the most glaring of late seems to be between those who want justice for those who have striven to do what is right and those who want to appear righteous in themselves and subvert justice.

God will always know the truth and it is He who will judge each of us on the last day. He will judge those who close their eyes to sin. He will also judge those who have be been falsely accused. And, as our Lord promised those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake will be blessed, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:10)

In the first letter of Peter, Christians scattered through Roman provinces of Asia Minor are encouraged to remain faithful even in the face of persecution.

And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. ( Pet 3:13-17)

So if the world is divided between those who are justified by the blood of Christ and those who are not; if it is divided between those who persecute and those who are persecuted; who are what are we; abominations to the wicked or abominations to the righteous? Where do we stand: with Christ or against Christ? 

Even as we are all sinners; help us, Lord, to do what is right. Help us to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with our God! (Micah 6:8)

God's Peace - Pr. J

No Gossiping

The Eighth Commandment.

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.

(http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php)

 

"Sticks and stones can break your bones; but, words can never hurt you." Wrong, words can kill! They can destroy life. They can kill a spirit and; yes, they can even lead to death of the body in a whole variety of ways. Think about the one who is on trial and someone would bear false witness against him or her sending them to prison for life or aid in that person receiving a death sentence. Think about the young woman or man who is trying to overcome obstacles and bullies continue to beat them down with words. Not only can this lead to a loss of an abundant and joyful life; it can lead to serious depression and in some cases suicide. Consider the married person falsely accused of adultery, what will their partner, who in their pain and anger, do to the ones he or she feels has betrayed him?

 

Do not deceive yourselves. There are no little white lies when it comes to bearing false witness against your neighbor. Lies will destroy your neighbor. Lies will destroy your family. Lies can divide and destroy whole communities and countries. Lies will destroy you.

 

God does not desire that anyone be harmed in any way. May He help us all to speak with integrity and to help our neighbors when they are down.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J