The Church’s Number One Sin
There is a sin that is rampant in the Lord’s church. In fact, you’re probably guilty of it yourself; I know that I am. You may have committed this sin several times today.
Like all sin, it is NOT insignificant or inconsequential; it is deadly and it is destructive. Paul includes it in a list of sins that are described as, “all manner of unrighteousness” and “evil.” It stands right beside sins such as, “envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness…” (Romans 1:29). Like all sin, you must repent of it if you want to be right with God.
Unfortunately, it is a sin that has been justified so much that it is hardly recognized as sinful anymore. In fact, little old ladies probably do it right in the foyer of your church building, and no one reprimands them; elders, deacons, preachers, moms, dads, and teenagers are all guilty of this heinous sin! And worse yet, no one seems to care. No one seems to admonish the guilty and encourage repentance.
Before we commit this sin, we often use certain phrases which help it to seem…almost godly. We say things like, “Bless this person’s heart, but…” Or, we may even say, “We really need to keep this brother in our prayers, because he…” You’ve probably even heard people say, “I don’t mean to gossip, but…” We confess the sin, right before committing it!
Church, it’s appalling and it needs to stop! If church folk would just listen to the One they claim to follow, all of this gossip mess would be avoided, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother” (Matthew 18:15). If someone has done something bad enough to talk about, talk to the person who did it!
When it comes to gossip, I’m just as guilty as anyone else; and I need to stop it. I hope, if I have ever gossiped to you or about you, you will forgive me. I also hope we will start calling gossip what it is–sin!
I love you and the God who hates sinful gossip loves you,
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