Answers

By   •   June 1, 2004   •   Topics:

Q:

What do you think of a person who claims to be a Christian and goes to church regularly but is one of the worst gossips you've ever heard? I don't think much of it myself. She invited me to her church once and I almost laughed in her face.


A:

Have you seen those bracelets and T-shirts that young people began wearing a few years ago with the letters “WWJD” on them? As you probably know, those initials stand for, “What Would Jesus Do?”

That phrase came to my mind when I read your question about this person who gossips so much. What would Jesus do about gossip? Do you think He would gossip like this woman does? Do you think He’d even gossip at all? I think you know the answer: Of course He wouldn’t. The Bible says, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much” (Proverbs 20:19).

Why is gossiping wrong in God’s eyes? One reason is because it always distorts the truth. The Bible is clear: “The Lord detests lying lips” (Proverbs 12:22). Another reason is because gossip tears people apart instead of bringing them together and it is never motivated by love. The Bible points out that “a gossip separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28).

My prayer, however, is that you won’t let this woman’s bad example keep you from Christ. Yes, she needs to repent and seek God’s forgiveness. But have you ever confessed your own sins to God and asked Him to forgive you? God loves you and Christ wants to welcome you into His family. Turn to Him today, for only He can save you.