Unspoken Sins of the Church: Gossip and Slander

Unspoken Sins of the Church 8 – Gossip and Slander Slander definition: 1. the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another’s reputation2. a false and defamatory oral statement about a person Gossip definition: 1. A person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others 2. rumor or report of an intimate nature 3. a chatty talk Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:20-21:For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior. Yes, I am afraid that when I come again, God will humble me in your presence. And I will be grieved because many of you have not given up your old sins. You have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure. Point 1: We are called to exercise control! James 1:26: If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Proverbs 10:19: Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Proverbs 18:21: The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Point 2: Slander and Gossip are sin! Exodus 23:1-3: “You must not pass along false rumors. You must not cooperate with evil people by lying on the witness stand. “You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice. And do not slant your testimony in favor of a person just because that person is poor. Leviticus 19:16: “Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. “Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the Lord. 5 Questions to ask yourself: Do I know for 100% sure that this is true? Is this something I would want others to share about me? Even if I didn’t care that someone knew this about me, would the person be offended if I shared this? Is this uplifting or demeaning to the person? Who all is this going to affect? Am I willing to stand accountable before God in sharing this information? Proverbs 11:13: A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. Proverbs 26:20: Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. Point 3: Let your words be uplifting! Ephesians 4:29-32: Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,[e] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. John 13:35: Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” If you would like to watch our past services, you can do so here: https://www.gcwesleyan.org/sunday-service-videos/ Like and subscribe to our new YouTube channel, Graham Chapel Youth! We are producing some funny videos as well as live streaming our Wednesday night youth group: https://is.gd/grahamyouth. If you would like to give to Graham Chapel, you can do so here: https://www.gcwesleyan.org/give/ Graham Chapel Wesleyan Church is in Mayo,