I heard about a pastor who was blamed for an indecent act. The accusations took place on social media platforms and the internet. I saw many people making fun of the pastor and saying ignorant things. It’s amazing how quickly people can react to something terrible, but drag their feet or remain silent about something noble. I don’t know the pastor personally, but I knew immediately once I heard the accusation that it was just that, an accusation. Not taking sides, but it was like a feeling; a discernment that these people were trying to destroy his character. I felt sympathy for him, but every tongue…
After reading about the accusations, a verse entered my mind, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.” (Isaiah 54:17). My attention shifted away from the pastor onto the people slandering his name. I then felt sympathy for them. They don’t know the trouble they are bringing upon themselves.
I wondered if the pastor would preach the following Sunday after the accusations. I hoped he would, and he did. He didn’t talk much about the rumors but preached the word of God as if the rumors never existed. We’ve all heard that not every situation needs a reaction and this pastor proved that. His boldness inspired me. Why entertain rumors, lies, accusations, or slander?
When I’m having a conversation with someone and that person speaks about a topic I have zero knowledge about, I don’t just take their word for it. I must research to ensure that whatever someone says to me is indeed true. I know many people who hear things and just run with it, not searching for proof or evidence of what they heard. What if what they say is false? Then that person becomes a source of that lie and it will spread like a virus. When people come to me about gossip I tend to end the conversation before it begins. I don’t want to hear about it. Deep down, I don’t even care. Not to be selfish, but I just don’t like it. Slander and gossip are also a sin that is easy to fall into.
I used to defend my name regarding rumors and lies. I would approach the person or people who started the lie, but the Bible says, “Beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19). I’ve learned I do not have to approach any tongue that rises against me because God’s vengeance is more effective than mine. I honestly feel bad for people who try to come against God’s chosen ones. Out of fear, I pray for my enemies because time and time again I have watched God fight my battles, and He always wins. Seeing my enemies fall before me, makes me want to do right so I won’t be the enemy who falls.
A few Verses about rumors, gossiping, and Slander:
You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. (Exodus 23:1)
Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. (2 Timothy 2:23)
The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps. (Proverbs 14:15)
An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. (Proverbs 17:4)
“We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, and able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go…
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3:2-10).
It is easy to fall into gossip and rumors. At times you may not be aware that you are doing it. Many find it entertaining until the tables turn. Rumors usually arise from jealousy (James 4:1-2). If this is an area that you struggle in, ask God to reveal to you the root cause. Pray and ask for deliverance in that area. We should use our words to uplift, edify, teach, help, and love one another not tear each other down. Rumors destroy lives, reputations, character, etc. Imagine if it happened to you or a loved one, how would you feel? That person you are slandering has feelings too! Keep that in mind when you are riding a wave like gossip, rumors, or lies. The power of life and death are in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). With that, be careful of what you speak into existence about yourself and others.
Every tongue that rises against you, you shall condemn, but that goes for you too.