Avizandam In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters Avise endum All of us would agree that lies and gossip cause a lot of trouble in relationships, in the marketplace. in families Yes, in the church. As a pastor of many years I could give examples for malicious gossip. and even downright lies have caused tremendous damage and even destruction.
While we know that the passing on of rumors, innuendos, uncorroborated gossip and lies is wrong, we may still practise them in some form. But God is a God of truth who never lies. Paul writes to the Ephesians Therefore having put away falsehood, Let each one of us speak the truth with his neighbor. for we are members one of another. In verse thirty-one of Ephesians four, Paul expressly says that slander.
must be put away along with all malice. Similarly, Paul writes to the Colossians. Do not lie to one another, saying that you have put off the old self. with these practices. Even first century believers had to be reminded of the sin of lying.
We are people of truth. One of the Ten Commandments is, You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
So I urge all of us to follow these injunctions. and put off all lying, slander, and gossip. When we hear something from someone which doesn't sound true, Instead of repeating it, we should go to that person to ascertain the truth, or leave it well alone.
Solomon gives wise counsel in Proverbs seventeen, verse nine Whoever covers an offence seeks love. but he who repeats a matter Separates close friends. Friendships have been shattered through some one repeating a falsehood, a statement which was uncorroborated, unloving, and poisonous. instead of going to the person as instructed by Scripture, the person has repeated this gossip or slander to others. By the press of a button on your computer or iPhone, A lie is quickly distributed.
There's the old saying that a lie can travel half way around the world while truth is putting on its shoes. DJ Kennedy said, When the lie goes unanswered, it becomes part of people's thinking.
Sometimes it's just better to ignore a personal slander. but in other cases, as Kennedy suggests, it should be answered In a church context when someone is indulging in such untruths, discipline may be required. What havoc, what divisions, what hurt, What confusion. have been caused through lies, half truths, rumours, and innuendos, being passed on without knowing the facts.
Some gossip may seem harmless. But all of us must be careful not to repeat anything which which could put a cloud over someone. In our fallen nature, We're attracted to rumors and gossip. What may seem harmless to you can be destructive and and very painful to the individual who has been misjudged.
So let's obey scripture. Put away all lies and slander and gossip. be known as a person of truth. Our Lord Jesus, whom we follow, still says, I am the way and the truth. and the life.
Avazando. Mm. You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is senior pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms.
For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com/slash the verdict.
