Friday, 30 April 2021
Title: Eschew the sins of gossip and slander
Writer: Richard YW Yeoh
Verse: Matthew 12:36 ESV
“I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak …”
Years ago, I read an article that left a lasting impression on me (I was a young Christian then).
The writer postulated that gossip and slander are serious sins which he described as akin to committing murder with our tongues. The Bible admonishes us to be careful not to sin in our speech lest judgement befalls us.
In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon reminds us viz.
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret” (Prov 11:13 NIV) and,
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends” (Prov 16:28 NIV)
A common justification is to say “it is true!” Be that as it may, is it edifying to speak ill of others even if there is truth in it? Especially if it is not our business at all?
Paul also frequently cautions us on this in his warning against discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder” (2 Corinthians 12:20b NIV)
We must be careful not to utter words that can hurt relationships and tarnish reputations even if we believe the information is true as we often do not verify what we hear nor do we always know all the facts concerning a matter. This is especially true in the present days when stories spread like wild fire in social media.
Words once uttered can never be recalled. A careless word can cause irreparable harm to a relationship whether amongst family members, friends or church brethren.
Gossip and slander is uncharacteristic of Christians. We know the damage it does. It can even cause dissension in church and divide the body of Christ.
How might Christians cope with gossip?
Here are some ways:
- Proverbs 17:9 tells us to overlook an offense and not be unduly affected by loose talk.
- Avoid gossipers and do not encourage them by showing interest in their gossip
- Admonish gossipers in private and in love as many do not realize the harm of their habits.
- Guard our hearts and our tongues.
Let our words be edifying, constructive and encouraging to others and of others. Avoid speaking ill of others especially when it is of no concern to us or the persons around us. Indeed we will feel at peace in the joy of the Lord if we abstain from this unwholesome habit.
Prayer:
Father God, teach us to be peace makers and people builders. Help us to eschew bad habits like gossip and slander. Instead help us to speak well of others and be people encouragers. Help us to walk with you Lord, in humility and forbearance and help us not to judge others as we would not wished to be judged. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
每日灵修
星期五，2021年4月30日
标题：远离谗言与毁谤的罪
作者：杨勇伟
翻译：陈月妃
经文：马太福音12：36
“我又告诉你们，凡人所说的闲话，当审判的日子，必要句句供出来。。。”
多年前，我读了一篇文章，给我留下了深刻的印象（那时我是一个年轻的基督徒）。
作者把谗言和毁谤视为严重的罪行，他将这些罪行描述为类似于用我们的舌头杀人。圣经告诫我们说话要小心，不要犯罪，免得审判临到我们。
在箴言书中，所罗门王提醒我们。
“往来传舌的，泄漏密事，心中诚实的，遮隐事情。”（箴言11:13和合本），以及
“乖僻人播散分争，传舌的离间密友。”（箴言16:28和合本）
一个常见的理由如此说“这是真的！”即便如此，即使所说的是事实，诉说别人的坏话是否能造就他人呢？尤其是如果这根本不关我们的事的时候？
保罗也经常警告我们不要有分争、嫉妒、恼怒、结党、毁谤、谗言、狂傲、混乱的事。（哥林多后书12:20b）
即使我们相信这消息是真实的，我们也必须小心不要说出会伤害人际关系并损害声誉的言论。因为我们经常不核实我们所听到的消息，我们也不总是了解与某件事情有关的所有事实。在当今社会，当新闻在社交媒体上如野火般蔓延地传播时，情况尤其如此。
话语一旦说出就永远无法召回。一句漫不经心的话会对家庭成员、朋友或教会弟兄之间的关系造成无法弥补的伤害。
谗言和毁谤并非基督徒的特征。我们知道它所造成的危害。它甚至会引起教会的纷争，分裂基督的身体。
基督徒如何应对谗言呢？
以下是一些方法：
1。箴言17:9告诉我们要遮掩人过，不要受闲话过度地影响。
2。远离说谗言者，不要对他们所说的谗言感兴趣，以免鼓励他们多说谗言。
3。私下以爱心劝诫说谗言者，因为许多人没有意识到其习惯所造成的危害。
4。保守我们的心和舌头。
让我们的言语对他人带来造就，建设性和鼓励性。避免说别人的坏话，尤其是当这些事情与我们或我们周围的人无关时。的确，如果我们摒弃这种有害身心的习惯时，我们将在主的喜乐中感到平安。
祷告：
父神，教导我们成为和平使者及造就他人。帮助我们远离谗言与毁谤的恶习。相反的，帮助我们说别人的好话，成为鼓励别人的人。主啊，求你帮助我们谦卑宽容地与你同行，帮助我们不论断他人因为我们也不希望被论断。奉耶稣的名，阿门。