The Royal Law: Gossip & Slander - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) January 10, 2023
Updated: Jan 13, 2023
On Friday, we looked at the Royal Law, which commands us to love others as we love ourselves and thereby treat them the way we want to be treated. Today, we learn how to apply the Royal Law in the way we communicate about others. Specifically, God's instruction to neither gossip nor slander.
To better understand gossip, consider Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Although this verse does not mention gossip, it gives direction on the attitude we must have about what we say. This scripture calls us to be intentional, and not mindless, in how we use our words. Our speech must build others up and not tear them down. The words we share should benefit those who listen. Sure, we all want to say something funny, but at whose expense?
Gossip does not take any of this into consideration. It is unwholesome talk which destroys the subject of the communication. It is hurtful and something none of us would want shared about ourselves, talk less blasted across the forms of media we now use to express our every idea and opinion. Imagine if you were the topic of discussion. Would you still want people to keep talking? Ask yourself, would the person you're communicating about be hurt to hear what is said about them? Would you be hurt if the tables were turned?
In many cases, the communication may seem harmless - a juicy tidbit casually shared to entertain. Unbeknownst to most, that morsel destroys the speaker and the listener as well. Proverbs 17:4 - Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander (NLT). All it takes to be a wrongdoer in this case is to listen to, and not even share, gossip. Plus, if the listener becomes a wrongdoer, what does that make the speaker?
Every human is fearfully and wonderfully made in God's image (Psalm 139:14, Genesis 1:27). This should challenge us to tread carefully when we say or listen to things about people. Particularly, things that aren't nice. And we must keep this in mind because there are times when we will unfortunately have to share something unpleasant about someone. Before you do, ask yourself what your intention is in expressing what you're about to say. This will require you to slow down and think before speaking. It is scriptural to do so for the Bible warns us to guard our hearts for out of it comes everything (Proverbs 4:23). And, Jesus said in Matthew 15:18, that the words that come out of our mouths were first formed in our hearts. See why we have to be mindful about what's in our hearts? When we fail to do so, we may say the things that God does not want us to say about others and even ourselves.
Besides, we are warned that everyone will reap what they sow (Galatians 6:7). Let us be careful to not reap problems for ourselves through evil communication for such gets people into trouble (1 Corinthians 15:33). Gossip is deemed slanderous in Leviticus 19:16 and the Lord's pronouncement for slanderers is that they will be silenced (Psalm 101:5). I don't think the Lord means they will be made mute. Do you? Further, slanderers are not allowed to stand in the presence of God (Psalm 15:1-3). If your prayers aren't being answered, could gossip and slander be acting as a hindrance? And finally, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 tells us slanderers will not make heaven.
It is not everyone who can instantly turn from ungodly behavior but the key is to be intentional. Call on the Lord to help you. Take decisive steps to limit your interaction with gossips and gossip. When you mess up, confess, repent and get back on track for as long as it takes until you no longer crave that which destroys. The Lord will help each of us to treat others with the love of Christ through our speech, IJMN, Amen.
For more on the Royal Law, please see:
Thank You Jesus! This message was truly a blessing! I could literally feel myself being fed spiritually!
The Lord strong and mighty. The Lord mighty in battle. King of glory, all power is in Your hands.
Ancient of days, we bow before Your name. You are God alone. There is no one like You.
King of glory I exalt Your name. I lift up your word in Psalm 149:6-9:
"May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with shackles of iron, to execute the judgment written against them. This honor is for all His saints."
Lord God Almighty, let Your word be established. Eliminate the evil princes that cause delay (Daniel 10:13).…
Lord you are strong and mighty, You are excellent. Your power has no limit, Your reign has no end. Excellent Jehovah, marvelous God, Your word warns against false prophets and fake teachers who lead your sheep astray. Mighty warrior, great shepherd, have mercy on your sheep. 2 Tim 3:9 "But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone." Proverbs 28:10 "Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance." Lord I lift up your word, and declare it against every evil seed that has been planted in the minds of your sheep. Let your grea…
Thank You God for all Your good works in our lives. Thank You for keeping us from harm, and for helping us to overcome all evil. God I'm also grateful to You because: - I was shown kindness at work yesterday - Holy Spirit was present in my morning devotion today and helped me to worship naturally - I have a new sense of discipline with my technology usage - People have been supporting the art commissions that were recently opened - the place I volunteer at will be opening up again today for the new year - Mr JR is still recovering well and his body is responding well to treatment
Thank You God for continuing this message. We appreciate the correction and conviction You are providing to us. We receive grace to move forward in wisdom under the Royal Law from now on.
I will share my prayers and praises early today because I likely will be busy later at noon