After visiting Carissa's blog, www.carissalopez.blogspot.com, my mind started spinning with thoughts about her "Gossip" post. Gossip is a wicked vice that controls many people. Often, the gossip that is spoken, repeated, or heard, is stemmed from conniving, jealous people who spin lies to hopefully further their social status. One thing I learned a long time ago is this - people who sling mud lose ground. A scripture came to my mind that I want to share.
II Thessalonians 2:11 - "...they should believe a lie:" Verse 12, "That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
I know most people interpret this verse as a person who believes false doctrine, or a lie, will be damned to hell instead of receiving salvation. Let me ask this - if a person believes a vicious lie spread from malicious gossip and took pleasure in hearing or repeating it, will that person be damned? The Bible strongly speaks against all gossip (true or false) and tells us all liars will have their part in hell. The old children's rhyme, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me," is not true, for surely God will not deal kindly with a gossipper.
The last scripture in II Thessalonians chapter two, lets us know we are established by every good word and work. A person will never be established without learning to speak good words.
I Thessalonians 4:11 - "And that ye study to be quiet and to do your own business..." In redneck words, MYOB, mind your own business.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I have never thought of II Thes 2:11 in this light. I spoke with someone the other day about the addage of "sticks/stones". It really isn't true because words are probably more damaging than sticks or stones. Great post!
ReplyDeleteIn total agreement with you, Jana. Great post. My mind goes to how many that I know that have been wounded (some fatally) by "loose" words. PS: You've given me thought for a post. My head is spinning.
ReplyDeleteTracie - I'm sure as a minister's wife you know how damaging gossip can be to souls. My husband and yours would have a lighter work load if they didn't have to deal with so many loose mouths. Blessings to you and thanks for dropping by.
ReplyDeleteSis. Hopper - Those who are "fatally" wounded break my heart. It is so unnecessary. Gossip is a terrible vice of the devil we must vigorously fight.
Sis Allard, this post is right on the money. Like I replied to Sis Hopper on my page, reminds me of that Eleanor Roosevelt quote: "Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people". Some people just fail to realize that false and unnecessary words have long term consequences.
ReplyDeleteCarissa - I'm glad you enjoyed the services. Bro. Arcovio was incredible! He ministered to Brian and I in an unbelievable way. Concerning your comment - I love the Eleanor Roosevelt quote and have used it before. Only small minded people live for gossip and they not only hurt the ones they talk about, but they also destroy their own character. A few months ago, we had some people tell us how terrible a person was and that they were a big liar, and now the same people are saying this person is reputable and are spreading the lies they have been told. They are just hurting their own characters. Bro. Arcovio told us about a time he was in Asia and God gave him seven prophecies. He delivered them and a year later only one had come to pass. A missionary in the country went on deputation and begin to tell people that Bro. Arcovio was a false prophet and tried to ruin Bro. Arcovio's reputation. Several years later, all seven prophecies came to pass and the missionary finally met Bro. Arcovio at a conference and apologized. A dangerous thing, the missionary's apology didn't fix all the people who believed his lies. Even so, God will always honor the person who is right, time will prove all things, and the good will continue to stand. Thanks for your post that triggered my brain to think and thanks for your comment.
ReplyDeleteGood thought, Jana. Oh how careful we need to be of what we say and listen to. One of my favorite scriptures against gossip is Ephesians 4:29: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. God help my conversations to edify and bring grace to those who hear me. Amen!
ReplyDeleteKaren - thanks for your comment. God help us all.
ReplyDeleteI love this! It's so true!
ReplyDeleteIf only people in my church could read this..lol no offense.
Good job!
oh and carissa, Good job on yours too!
:)