Hearsay

Hearsay

Proverbs 16:28, NIV: "A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends."

Sometimes well-intended, sometimes meant to harm--they are the words spoken in the secret places that will not remain in secret. They are perhaps one of Satan's greatest tools. He wields gossip like a cat-o'-nine-tails to rip apart the body of Christ. Through it, churches divide, lives are broken, hearts are torn, and forgiveness is not easily found. It is yet another device of the devil that, as a church, we must stand united against. We must do all we can to prevent gossip from getting a foothold in our church body. Have nothing to do with it. When it comes across your ears, you must go straight to God and obey His instruction. If you have said something, why have you said it? Is it because you are seeking God's will in the matter? Is it because you are seeking the best interest of the body of Christ? Gossip is deceptive. It clouds the motives, burrows into curiosity, and festers like a sore. It will not sleep until it has claimed a life.